Quick response saves WHPHA Administration building from Fire

A fire at the Administration Complex of the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority, located within the Mt Hagen Hospital, narrowly avoided causing major damage yesterday afternoon.

The building, which houses the PHA’s finance, human resources, fleet, and other offices, caught fire around 5 p.m.

However, with the help of the public, who quickly responded by throwing water on the fire, the blaze was contained before it could spread to the building. Firefighters arrived a few minutes later.

WHPHA’s Data and Information Manager, James Gene, said the fire started from an electrical appliance.

Hagen town has been experiencing continuous power outages.

"PHA was fortunate that the public and security officers put the fire out, saving the PHA from losing all its important data.

Security Guard Manuel Kosi, who was on duty when the building caught fire, said smoke started from the Fleet Manager's office.

He said the property was saved by the public and thanked them for their kindness and bravery.

The Administration Building is old and located inside the hospital's premises and located opposite the Emergency Department, with the adult and children's outpatient.

Patients, guardians, and hospital staff were all taken by surprise, fleeing their [admittance] wards in fear that the fire might spread.

Meantime, Acting CEO of WHPHA Jane Holden, who is currently out of the country, confirmed the incident with this newsroom via WhatsApp and added that a thorough investigation will be carried out to find out the cause of the fire.