CIRCLEVILLE, OH – A fire was reported at Berger Hospital around 11:15 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, sending smoke from the basement into the emergency room areas, according to breaking news updates at 11:44 a.m. EDT. The source of the smoke is now being reported from Berger as an overheating pump.
One woman in labor, along with other patients requiring immediate attention, is being transported to another facility. To escape the heat and ensure safety, patients are being temporarily relocated to Circleville High School.
The scene was chaotic at first, but local groups set up care in the parking lot of the hospital, and vans were called in to transport patients to the local High School. Several local entities, including PICCA, Pickaway Sheriff, Local Fire departments, and EMA were able to establish commands of different needs and worked together like a well-oiled machine to move people from the hospital to the High school. The hospital is now reporting that a total of 55 patients have been transferred or discharged from the hospital since this morning.
There are no reported injuries at this time
