BREAKING: Fire set inside Muscogee County Jail prompts massive emergency response
A fire inside the Muscogee County Jail on Tuesday prompted a large-scale response from local law enforcement and emergency personnel after inmates allegedly set a fire following a contraband search operation.
According to Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman, the incident began after the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Jail Bureau conducted cell shakedowns to search for weapons and contraband. The sheriff said the jail is currently operating approximately 200 inmates over its maximum capacity.
During the searches, deputies discovered several prohibited items, including handmade weapons.
Investigators believe inmates housed in a South Tower dorm retaliated after the contraband was confiscated. According to the sheriff, inmates made wicks from tissue paper and placed them inside a ventilation system. Officials believe the wick may have been ignited by an electrical outlet, causing a fire that produced heavy smoke throughout the area.
Image: Muscogee County Jail
As a precaution, approximately 500 inmates were immediately moved into secure and non-secure areas of the jail while deputies and emergency personnel worked to address the situation.
Image: Muscogee County Jail
The response drew a significant number of first responders to the facility, including on-duty and off-duty deputies from the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, officers with the Columbus Police Department, and MCSO K-9 units. Columbus Fire and EMS also responded to the jail to assist with the incident.
Sheriff Countryman said K-9 teams were utilized to ensure no escape attempts were made during the emergency.
Officials said inmates who required medical attention were evaluated by the jail’s medical provider. The extent of any injuries has not been released.
“I would like to thank Lt. Thornton and his squad for their quick response in ensuring safety for the inmates and staff,” Countryman said in a statement. “I also want to thank Columbus Fire and EMS for their rapid response, as well as the Columbus Police Department.”
The incident remains under criminal investigation.
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