Balasore, Odisha, December 7, 2025: A fire incident at the District Headquarters Hospital in Balasore, Odisha, on December 6, 2025, sparked widespread panic. However, swift action by the Fire Department prevented any casualties or injuries. The blaze is suspected to have originated from a short circuit in the hospital’s housekeeping room. This damaged the supplies stored there.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke billowing from the housekeeping room in the morning. The room housed essential hospital supplies, including phenyl, cleaning cloths, and other housekeeping materials. As smoke began spreading into nearby corridors, patients and their attendants, some still connected to saline drips were evacuated from the building in a state of alarm.
Local residents near the hospital entrance noticed the commotion and immediately alerted hospital authorities, who promptly contacted the Balasore Fire Department. Firefighters arrived at the scene without delay and contained the flames before they could spread to other sections of the hospital.
The fire consumed the contents of the housekeeping room, leaving charred remains of cleaning supplies scattered across the floor. Importantly, no injuries or casualties were reported. After firefighters cleared the affected area and declared it safe, doctors and nurses resumed their duties, ensuring that patient care continued without major disruption.
The hospital administration has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary reports point to a short circuit as the likely trigger, though officials are conducting a thorough examination of the electrical systems in the affected area.
As per National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Short circuits have been known to be the major cause of Hospital fire accidents, contributing to 89% of the total outbreaks.
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety protocols in healthcare facilities across the region. Hospital management has promised to strengthen safety measures, including comprehensive reviews of electrical systems and more frequent safety inspections.
The swift response by the Fire Department drew praise from Balasore residents and hospital staff alike.
As the investigation continues, hospital authorities have assured the public that patient care will proceed without interruption. The administration has also emphasized its commitment to implementing enhanced safety measures to protect both patients and staff.
(Rh/VK)