An investigation has been launched into the cause of a fire at the West Cumberland Hospital site over the weekend.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and Cumbria police are leading the investigation after a three-storey portable building, near the main entrance, caught fire.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s group manager, Mark Nicholson said: “A joint police and fire investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.”
Several fire crews from across the county were called to tackle the blaze just after 7pm on Saturday.
At least five fire engines, an aerial ladder platform and joint incident command unit attended the scene.
The fire was extinguished at around 3am on Sunday.
The portable buildings are part of the redevelopment of the hospital site.
They were being used as office space by contractor Graham, which is managing the multi-million-pound redevelopment.
Roads were closed around the hospital and the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said there was no risk to patients.
A trust spokesman added: “Staff at the hospital, including on call teams, estates team, portering teams and security teams were quick to respond to the incident, ensuring fire protocols were followed and carried out ensuring the safety of our patients and other members of staff.
“The quick response of our own teams meant windows and doors were secured to minimise the amount of smoke present in the main hospital building.
“Staff present on the site were kept informed of the evolving situation and were able to then reassure all patients that the fire was contained to the portable offices and would not affect the main site. No patients were moved or evacuated during the incident.
“The hospital was able to remain open for anyone in need of emergency care as well as maternity care. The teams at the hospital liaised with North West Ambulance Service to keep them abreast of the situation and reassure the teams that access to the site was not impeded by the incident.
“The portering teams were able to help manage the flow of traffic to the site.
“The portable cabins are a safe distance from the main hospital building as per building and fire regulations in the event of an incident like the one on Saturday.
“The fire service will now work to determine the cause of the fire and Graham will carry out work with a structural engineer to safely remove the damaged cabins from the site.
“Graham will also assess the ongoing construction work at the redevelopment site.
“We would like to thank all of our staff who worked together in an efficient manner to manage the incident and keep the safety of our patients and staff as the number one priority.”
