CARTAGENA, 26 November 2025 – Firefighters in Cartagena brought a blaze at the city’s main medical facility, the Santa Lucía Hospital, under control in just half an hour, thanks to swift action, the fire station’s proximity, favourable wind conditions, and the timing of the incident.
The rapid containment avoided a potentially catastrophic outcome reminiscent of the 2024 Campanar tragedy in Valencia, where a similar fire claimed the lives of ten people. The materials involved in both buildings were comparable, making quick intervention crucial.
Firefighters explained that their strategy combined internal and external attacks on the fire. Internally, crews accessed the affected area using the building’s dry risers and hoses, while simultaneously attacking the flames from the outside with ladders and hose lines.
Wind and timing played a key role
“Fortunately, the wind was blowing away from the building,” said fire officials. “Had it blown inwards, as it did in Valencia, dangerous internal drafts could have spread the fire more rapidly.” The early morning timing—around 8:00 a.m., coinciding with shift changes—meant additional personnel were on hand, further accelerating the response.
Staff have been praised for there quick response to getting people out safely. Evacuated patients were also given blankets to keep them warm as they were placed in a safe area outside.
Nearby police officers helped manage access to the hospital and control anxious crowds outside, while firefighters ensured that the flames and heat did not endanger the adjacent building. Patients and hospital staff in the affected area were quickly evacuated by healthcare professionals.
“Thanks to the rapid intervention of the firefighters and the cooperation of the medical staff, the fire at Santa Lucía was controlled swiftly,” said Juan José Pedreño, the regional Health Minister.
Investigation underway
Authorities are investigating the fire, which is currently believed to have been accidental, possibly caused by a poorly extinguished cigarette. Specialists from the Regional Scientific Police Brigade, a multidisciplinary team including inspectors and agents, have been tasked with the investigation and are scheduled to visit the site.
Police are reviewing witness videos captured on mobile phones, which can provide critical information about the fire’s origin. Investigators are aware that firefighting operations inevitably alter the scene, making the collaboration between fire crews and police crucial in reconstructing events.
No serious injuries were reported, though several individuals suffered smoke inhalation.
People have been warned not to attend the hospital at this current time and to avoid the area while firefighters carry out their investigation.
