An electrical fire at Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital in Sheet Harbour, N.S., has closed the building until further notice, the Nova Scotia Health Authority said Saturday.

Authority spokeswoman Margaret Angus said the small blaze started in the main switch of the electrical panel around 10:00 a.m. and was contained to the electrical closet.

There was no damage elsewhere in the building.

The hospital has a backup generator, but Angus said a damage assessment has to take place before it can be used.

Four patients were temporarily moved to Harbourview Lodge, a nursing home in the area.

"We will wait to see where they will be moved, to other facilities," Angus said.

"Outside of that, we have staff at the doors outside, if people are coming to emergency, to direct them to go to the next nearest emergency."

Angus said damage was still being assessed and there was no word on when the hospital could reopen.

The authority is advising patients to call 911 if they have an urgent medical situation.