Fire breaks out near Bikur Cholim maternity hospital in Jerusalem

N12 reported that although there are no injuries at this stage, the Bikur Cholim Hospital is evacuating some patients to Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

 Firefighters douse flames in central Jerusalem after a fire broke out opposite the Bikur Cholim Hospital on February 15, 2023. (photo credit: JERUSALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT)
Firefighters douse flames in central Jerusalem after a fire broke out opposite the Bikur Cholim Hospital on February 15, 2023.
(photo credit: JERUSALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT)

A large fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the Jerusalem city center near the Bikur Cholim maternity hospital.

According to Israeli media, the fire broke out on the roof of a warehouse on HaRav Agan Street.

A fire rages in central Jerusalem, February 15 (Fire and Rescue Services Jerusalem).

Hospital evacuates patients 

N12 reported that although there are no injuries at this stage, Bikur Cholim is evacuating some patients to Shaare Zedek Hospital as a precaution against the heavy smoke in the area. 

 Firefighters douse flames in central Jerusalem after a fire broke out opposite the Bikur Cholim Hospital on February 15, 2023. (credit: JERUSALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT)
Firefighters douse flames in central Jerusalem after a fire broke out opposite the Bikur Cholim Hospital on February 15, 2023. (credit: JERUSALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT)

According to Ynet, one Bikur Cholim patient gave birth to a premature baby outside the hospital during the evacuation, and the birth was successful and healthy.

Shaare Zedek Hospital reported that about 40 mothers and newborn babies were successfully transferred from Bikur Cholim Hospital within about an hour of the fire breaking out. The mothers received the necessary medical care upon arrival as well as hot food. The hospital also reported that no damage was caused to the Bikur Cholim building itself, and that the police and fire rescue services provided critical support in the patient transfer process. 

Israeli media reported that firefighting teams arrived on the scene and began working to put the fire out immediately.

The Israel Police spokesperson's unit reported that it was not aware of any casualties and that security teams have been dispatched to the scene and the surrounding streets in order to direct traffic. 

This is a developing story