Partial evacuation at hospital (+ video)

Dunedin Hospital staff and visitors stand outside after leaving the building when fire alarms were activated yesterday.

Outside fumes which entered the hospital's ventilation system resulted in a partial evacuation of the gastroenterology unit in the ward block about 11.40am, a Fire Service spokesman said.

Six fire appliances were sent to the building and firefighters took about 45 minutes to determine the cause of the smoke that set off the alarms, Willowbank senior station officer Justin Wafer said.

"We're not sure where it came from and we're talking to building owners or building occupants around that area that may have boiling systems or some sort of heating that may require chimneys.''

Alarms were activated in the hospital's ward block and clinical services building, Mr Wafer said.