Fire at Ștei psychiatric hospital in Bihor prompts evacuation of 56 people
Emergency services activated Romania's Red Intervention Plan on Thursday evening after a fire broke out in a ward at the Ștei Psychiatric and Safety Measures Hospital in Bihor County, leading to the safe evacuation of 56 people.
Emergency response and Red Plan activation
Emergency authorities activated the Red Intervention Plan on Thursday evening, 3 September 2026, after a fire was reported at the Ștei Psychiatric and Safety Measures Hospital. The activation of the emergency protocol directed local rescue units to respond immediately to the medical facility in Bihor County. Firefighting crews arrived on the scene to extinguish the flames, which were located within a single room of the facility. The Ministry of Health coordinated with emergency response teams on site as operations began.
- A fire breaks out inside a ward at the Ștei Psychiatric and Safety Measures Hospital.
- Authorities trigger the Red Intervention Plan and dispatch firefighters to Bihor County.
- Fifty-six occupants are safely moved out of the hospital building with no reported injuries.
- The Ministry of Health reports initial findings suggesting patients may have started the blaze.
Evacuation of hospital occupants
Emergency personnel and facility staff moved 56 people out of the building to safety. Data sent to the Operational Center for Emergency Situations within the Ministry of Health confirmed that all 56 individuals who were inside were evacuated safely. According to an initial assessment released by emergency services, no casualties or injuries were recorded during the incident. Responders completed the evacuation while firefighters worked to contain the fire inside the affected ward.
Preliminary findings on the cause
Initial investigations into the incident indicate that the fire began inside a hospital ward. Health authorities and local investigators stated that preliminary evidence points to the possibility that patients started the fire. The Ministry of Health announced the early findings while the intervention was underway.
From early information, the fire is active at the level of a ward. Preliminary investigations indicate the possibility that the fire was initiated by patients.
Ongoing monitoring and updates
Health officials noted that operational details remained dynamic as emergency units continued their intervention at the Ștei facility. The Ministry of Health confirmed that further updates would follow as the intervention evolved and responders completed operations on the ground. Firefighters remained on the scene to ensure the ward was completely secure and to prevent any rekindling.
