As a wildfire ravages Redding, Calif., nearby Mercy Medical Center in Merced evacuated at least five babies from its neonatal intensive care unit July 27, a hospital spokesperson told CNN.
While Mercy is not under mandatory evacuation, some of the babies are being flown to hospitals in Sacramento. Others are being transported via ambulance. Hospital staff is reportedly preparing to evacuate the hospital if needed, a Cal Fire spokesperson told CNN.
The Carr Fire has killed two people and forced many residents to flee their homes since its start July 23, according to The New York Times. Hospital staff are no exception.
"Several staff members have evacuated their own homes, then returned to care for patients," a Mercy spokesperson said. "Several members have lost their homes."