4:40 p.m. — A fire occurred on Level 1, Unit 3 of University Tower at about 1:30 p.m. this afternoon. The Omaha Fire Department responded and the fire was quickly put out. Patients and staff in impacted areas were moved to safety.
At about 3:30 p.m., Omaha Fire Department gave the “all clear.” Air quality has been tested and is safe. Patients have been moved back.
The cause of the fire is being investigated. A company has been contracted to remediate any smoke damage.
The Emergency Department is once again receiving patients and the Intensive Care Unit is open. All imaging devices are available except ultrasound. Room Service is once again available for all areas.
Thank you for your support this afternoon. This incident was minimized by team work and a comprehensive disaster plan. If you have any questions or concerns please share them with your supervisor so we can learn from this experience.
4:18 p.m. — The Omaha Fire Department has issued an all clear in University Tower for all levels. A contractor has been called to address the smoke odor. Employees may return to all areas with the exception of the room affected by the fire.
3:59 p.m. — Corridor on unit three, level one leading from University Tower to Clarkson Tower is open for patient transport. Radiology areas in University Tower are closed until further notice.
3:36 p.m. — How to tell what unit you are in. If you are in University Tower, you can tell what unit you are in by looking at the second number of the room number. If you are in Room 6431, you are in unit four.
3:22 p.m. – The Omaha Fire Department has issued an all clear for University Tower units 3 and 4, levels two though seven. The area will smell of smoke, reoccupy as tolerated. University Tower level one is to remain evacuated for at least the next two hours.
2:39 p.m. – Fire originated in University Tower, Unit 3, level 1. The fire has been extinguished. Smoke did enter levels 2 and 3 and patients in the affected areas were moved as a precaution. Employees in the area were moved.
Smoke is being evacuated from the areas involved. Once this is completed, patients will be moved back to their original locations. We are not aware of any injuries.
Staff and visitors should avoid University Tower and Durham Outpatient Center.
All media calls and questions should be referred to The Nebraska Medical Center’s media representative at 598-4505.
2:10 p.m. — Fire department has extinguished fire. Unit 3 has been evacuated. Other units may evacuate if conditions warrant.
2:02 p.m. — The Omaha Fire Department has ordered an evacuation of University Tower Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 due to smoke. Stay away from the area. More information to come shortly.