Electrical fire at Christchurch Hospital

An electrical fire at Christchurch Hospital today has been blamed on ongoing aftershocks. File photo / NZPA

An electrical fire in a control panel at Christchurch Hospital today was the result of ongoing aftershocks, Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) says.

The fire started in a control panel on the ground floor of the Riverside Block about 4pm.

"It is believed the fire was caused by dislodged wiring as a result of ongoing quakes and aftershocks.

"All other control panels in the hospital are being inspected," a CDHB spokeswoman said.

Heating pumps in the Riverside Block stopped working as a result of the fire, but the system was now working again.

CDHB buildings were still being inspected following Monday's two destructive aftershocks, but no serious structural issues had been identified.

Elective surgery had resumed, except at Burwood, where operating theatres remained closed.

Outpatient clinics, specialist mental health services, primary birthing units and the Emergency Department at Christchurch Hospital were all operating as usual.

- NZPA