Adapting To Change: Health & Welfare

Hospital on Fire
Museum Matters June 2020 edition recalled the fire that almost destroyed the hospital's oldest building.

On February 6, 2005 a massive fire erupted in the heritage-listed Jubilee Building about 5.20pm, according to reports, and spread rapidly, blowing out windows and gutting the two top floors of the Court Street building.

The tin roof collapsed as flames leapt from the top floor about 5.40pm. Dense, black smoke attracted scores of onlookers from throughout Ipswich.

 

They were soon urged to clear the area as the building's brick wall appeared to flex, prompting fears it could collapse due to the extreme heat inside.

Some wards were evacuated, with patients gathering outside the Renal Dialysis Unit on Chelmsford Avenue. More than 55 fire fighters from six crews were called in to help fight the blaze.

The fire was brought under control about 6.30pm.

 

Ipswich police inspector Dominic McHugh said, "The fire looked a lot more spectacular than it was because the old building (which was built in 1887) really produced a lot of smoke," Insp McHugh said.

"(Emergency crews) did a fantastic job working together to control the fire and evacuate people from the hospital."
Queensland Times 7 February 2005

Rebuilding commenced in 2008 and the Jubilee building was reopened in 2009.