Crows Nest fire crisis: an eyewitness account

20140120_120002More than 50 animals and 30 staff had to be evacuated from the North Shore Veterinary Hospital in Crows Nest, Sydney.

Mid-morning on January 20, a blaze broke out on the upper level of the three storey premises leading to significant damage. Despite concerted staff efforts to extinguish the fire, the intense heat and smoke was too much, and it was soon made obvious that a full scale evacuation was necessary. Fortunately all patients and staff were efficiently evacuated within six minutes – the time taken for emergency crews to arrive – and were able to establish a makeshift hospital outside the building.

Fire crews managed to control the fire, which originated in a store room. All animals (including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, lizards and turtles) were safely contained. Luckily only two dogs had to be recovered from anaesthesia and extubated on the footpath, including one dog in the final stages of a hip surgery.

Specialist surgeon John Culvenor was the last to evacuate along with his nurse Amy Mosley as they completed the hip procedure on a small terrier. Many staff members were affected with smoke inhalation with several requiring hospitalisation and, weeks later, ongoing treatment. All animals were rehoused into three neighbouring satellite practices where they were held until the hospital became semi-functional the next day.

We didn’t realise the extent of the fire until access was allowed several hours later. The smoke damage extended through most of the third floor which encompasses the boarding facility, exotics ward, dental suite, CT machine, board room, kitchen, staff amenities and office suites. The hospital was shut down for most of the next day. Its after-hours and critical care service was run from Cremorne Veterinary Hospital that evening.

Fortunately, on the day of the fire, mild weather was at least comforting for evacuated animals. We were also fortunate that there were not more critical cases, such as ventilated patients or more prolonged surgeries taking place. The timing of the fire was also fortuitous in that a near full complement of staff was in attendance and patient numbers had not yet peaked for the day.

Logistical problems encountered immediately after the fire stemmed from lack of access to the building and a shutdown of power, water, phone and computer system. A significant problem was a lack of patient and owner details, so owners could not be contacted, nor could later-scheduled consultations be informed.

A makeshift reception was set up outdoors to receive clients unaware of the fire. Various hospital services including medicine, surgery, ophthalmology and exotics transported and carried out care for their patients in other hospitals.

Nearly four weeks since the event, repairs are still being carried out, although the hospital is now fully functional.

Fire and Rescue NSW praised hospital staff, saying that their quick thinking averted what could have been a devastating disaster. Inspector Ron James informed the assembled media, “It could have been a lot worse… they did an unbelievable job.”

DAVID VELLA

David Vella is an exotic animals veterinarian and Veterinarian board member. He was working at North Shore Veterinary Hospital on the day of the fire.

 

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