A fire in Harrogate District Hospital’s cafe caused the reception and waiting area of A&E to be temporarily evacuated this morning.

The fire began in the cafe’s kitchen at around 8am filling the reception area with smoke. The alarm was raised and three fire engines and crew were in attendance.

A Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said:

“On Sunday morning, a small fire occurred in the kitchen of the café at the entrance to our hospital in Harrogate, which was quickly brought under control by our staff.

“We would like to thank North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue for their prompt response to the incident.

“As a consequence of the fire, the waiting area of the Emergency Department was temporarily evacuated, but has now re-opened. All services are now operating as per usual.”

Brian Cairns, the district manager for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue told the Stray Ferret that hospital staff had already taken action when they arrived.:

“The staff were fantastic and had dealt with the fire with a fire blanket in the kitchen area.

“We are now working with the hospital to initiate their business continuity arrangements and we will work with them to allow them to return to business as usual in that area.”

The cafe remains closed with the area sealed off.

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