HELSINKI, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Eighteen people were hurt, four seriously, when a fire broke out in a psychiatric ward in southwestern Finland on Thursday night, officials said on Friday.

The fire started in a clothing rack in the hospital in Nokia, 190 km (120 miles) northwest of Helsinki, but its cause was still unknown, officials said.

"The hospital staff evacuated more than 10 patients, but conditions soon became unbearable," fire chief Seppo Mannikko told Reuters, adding that rescue workers had to save the others.

Seventeen patients and a member of staff were treated in nearby hospitals. Four suffered lung damage from inhaling smoke.

Hospital spokeswoman Leena Kuupakko there were 18 patients and three staff in the ward when the fire broke out.

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