Fire at Huntsville Unit prison: 400 inmates to be transferred to other facilities
HUNTSVILLE, Texas - Approximately 400 inmates at the Huntsville Unit will be transferred to other facilities across the state after a fire at the prison Friday morning, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice says.
Approximately 655 inmates were evacuated from part of the facility as firefighters battled the fire for hours on Friday morning. TDCJ said those inmates were moved to a secure location in the facility, and no injuries were reported.
The fire was reported around 2:30 a.m. Friday. The Huntsville Fire Department responded to the scene, and mutual aid was requested from several other fire departments.
Around 6:30 a.m., Huntsville Fire Department Chief Greg Mathis said the fire was contained, but firefighters were still putting out some small fires.
TDCJ Communications Director Amanda Hernandez said the damage was in the attic of the West Building and the attic and third floor of the Administration Building.
Firefighters battle a fire at the Huntsville Unit.
The extent of the damage is being assessed, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Visitation has been canceled for the weekend at the Huntsville Unit, officials say.
TDCJ says inmates who are scheduled for release Friday and next week will still be released, but it will take place at another facility.