Fire At Southern Ocean Medical Center Causes Evacuations

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A fire that broke out in Southern Ocean Medical Center early Wednesday morning caused several patients to evacuate the hospital.

The fire was reported after someone saw smoke coming from a vent inside the hospital, according to Anne Green, a spokesperson for the Hackensack Meridian Health Network.

The Stafford Township Fire and Police Departments responded to the scene and a "small number of patients were temporarily evacuated for safety without incident," Green said.

Following an investigation, officials determined that the fire originated in the air handling unit of the roof, which was shut down and extinguished.

The system is currently undergoing repairs without any disruption to patient care, according to Green.

“We are grateful to staff, team members and first responders for working with us to resolve the issue and put our patients first,” Green said.

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