Jump starter causes fire at Woodstock hospital

A reported explosion at Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital turned out to be a minor fire Friday.

Officials from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District said they answered a call at 8:04 p.m. for a reported fire and explosion in the security office near the Emergency Department.

Firefighters arrived within six minutes and determined that security officers had already extinguished a minor fire before their arrival.

Fire officials said the fire resulted from a battery jump starter that had ignited on the countertop.

The fire was confined to the immediate area with minimal damage. Firefighters were on scene approximately an hour helping the hospital staff clear the office and ventilating the area of smoke and fire extinguisher powder.

The incident is not believed to be suspicious but remains under investigation by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.