A fire at Lakeridge Health Port Perry reportedly caused approximately $10 million worth of damage, according to Scugog Fire Chief Mark Berney.

In a release issued by the Township of Scugog on Saturday (Aug. 26), Chief Berney said the cause of the fire was construction related.

“The origin and cause was determined to be a hot tar roofing application process that ignited nearby insulation,” said Chief Berney.

Lakeridge Health says all 22 patients, as well as visitors and staff, were safely evacuated after Friday’s (Aug. 25) fire.

According to the Township’s release, the fire was brought under control by 7:30 p.m.. Firefighters remained at the scene to monitor hotspots and the scene was officially under control and secured at 8:45 p.m..

The hospital sustained fire, smoke and water damage and remains closed to the public at this time.

“Due to this being a vulnerable occupancy facility, the hospital successfully activated their emergency management plan. Thankfully everyone was evacuated safely and the fire was brought under control,” said Chief Berney.

“I’d like to thank our firefighters, neighbouring fire services, hospital staff, Durham Regional Police as well as Durham Region Transit, Toronto EMS and York EMS for their assistance in patient evacuation and transfer.”

Photos by Mark Berney, Scugog Fire Chief

Durham Regional Police provided updates from the scene via social media Friday night.

“We are currently on scene at Lakeridge Health Port Perry for a fire on the roof. Fire is contained, however the hospital has been evacuated due to smoke throughout the building. All patients are fine and in the process of being transported to other hospitals,” reads a series of tweets from DRPS shortly after 8 p.m. Friday.

“Regular operations are currently down. Please avoid the hospital, and if seeking medical attention attend another facility.”

At approximately 8:45 p.m., Lakeridge Health also issued a public statement through Twitter.

“We can confirm that there has been a fire at our Port Perry hospital this evening. All of our patients, visitors and staff are safe. We ask that you don’t visit us this evening in Port Perry,” reads the statement, divided into three tweets.

The following afternoon (Aug. 26), they noted the hospital was still closed.

“Port Perry hospital remains closed until further notice. Those needing emergency care are asked to go to the closest Emergency (department),” they tweeted.

“Thanks to our staff, the Scugog Fire Dept., @DRPS, @DurhamParamedic, and Port Perry Medical Associates for putting patients first.”

According to the release from the Township, external government agencies, including the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) were notified of the fire. All of which are expected to conduct their own review of the incident.

Anyone looking for informationi about cancelled or postponed appointments, while Lakeridge Health Port Perry is closed, can call 1-833-681-9840.