Children's ER reopens after fire

Updated, 6:55 p.m.

The emergency room at Children's National Medical Center in Washington has reopened after being closed due to a fire in a utility area.

D.C. fire department spokesman Pete Piringer says the fire was reported about 9 a.m. Saturday. It was contained, though, because the sprinkler system was activated. No injuries were reported.
Patients are being rerouted to other hospitals while the emergency room is closed. Other operations at the hospital are continuing.

Piringer says there was some water and smoke that will have to be cleared out. The emergency room will reopen when repairs are completed.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Piringer says it does not appear to be suspicious.

A hospital spokeswoman says the emergency room was operating as normal by 6 p.m. Saturday.

--Associated Press