Malton Hospital Fire: 15 Patients Evacuated, Building Destroyed—July 9

A major fire destroyed the Springwood mental health unit at Malton and Norton District Hospital in North Yorkshire on Wednesday, July 8, forcing the evacuation of 15 patients. The single-storey building, measuring 50 by 30 metres, was fully engulfed when fire crews arrived at 11:15 BST. All patients and staff were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. The hospital remains temporarily closed pending safety checks.

How the fire unfolded

The fire broke out at 11:15 BST on Wednesday at the Springwood unit, a 14-bed mental health facility run by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. Crews from eight stations attended, with six fire engines deployed at the peak of the blaze. The building’s roof was completely destroyed by the flames. At 18:00 BST, firefighting operations had scaled back to two appliances and an aerial ladder platform. By Thursday morning, July 9, only one fire engine remained on scene after crews worked through the night to extinguish the fire and check for hotspots.

Patient evacuation and safety response

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed all 15 patients were safely evacuated with no injuries. Staff received particular praise for their response, with the trust thanking Malton School for providing immediate support during the evacuation. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service asked residents to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution and avoid the area to allow emergency services access. The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

Hospital closure and service disruptions

Malton Hospital remains temporarily closed following the fire. All appointments have been cancelled, and patients are being contacted directly to reschedule or discuss next steps. The Malton Urgent Treatment Centre is also closed. The main hospital building can reopen once gas and electric supplies are restored, but the Springwood unit is completely out of action. The GP Out of Hours service has not been affected. Patients requiring urgent medical advice should use NHS 111 online or call 111; life-threatening emergencies should call 999.

What happens next

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is working with North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and specialist teams to assess the site and ensure it is safe before reopening. The trust said its priority is to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. Fire crews expect to remain on scene for some considerable time. No timeline for reopening has been announced.

Final Thoughts

The Springwood unit fire displaced 15 patients and forced temporary closure of Malton Hospital, though no injuries occurred. Patients needing urgent care should contact NHS 111 or call 999. The hospital aims to reopen once safety assessments are complete.

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