Electrical fire causes patients and staff to evacuate health center

Presque Isle City Councilors decided on Wednesday, Dec. 12, to not fund the purchase of a new engine/tanker fire truck for the fire department for the upcoming budget year. The truck would have replaced the department's current engine/tanker, which chief Darrell White said has become increasingly costly for the department to repair but is crucial for responding to emergency calls. (Melissa Lizotte)

PRESQUE ISLE — A fire caused by an “equipment malfunction” at the Northern Light Health Center caused patients and staff to evacuate quickly on Thursday afternoon.

The fire started in an air handler on the roof of the building which let out a “rubber-like smell” and filled the center with smoke, according to a press release from Brian Mosher, communications specialist for the Northern Light AR Gould Hospital.

There were no injuries, according to the release.

At 4 p.m., the fire alarms notified everyone in the building to evacuate. The building houses four departments, including pediatrics and walk-in care, Mosher said.

The Presque Isle Fire Department responded to the call in minutes and the Northern Light Emergency Transport was sent to assist.

Within 15 minutes, the situation was resolved and patients and staff were allowed back into the building.