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No one seriously hurt by jail fire

STEPHEN H. COWLES/STAFF WRITER

Stephen.Cowles@TheTidewaterNews.com

COURTLAND

There were no serious or life-threatening injuries as the result of a fire that began at the Southampton County Jail on Sunday night, according to Det. Justin Boone, a spokesman for the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office.

Boone stated that at approximately 8 o’clock, deputies were taking care of a mechanical issue at the jail.

“Upon tending to the mechanical issue, deputies were alerted by an offender that fire and smoke could be seen near one of the cell blocks,” Boone wrote in a press release to media. “Fire and rescue crews subsequently responded to the jail and quickly extinguished the fire.”

The Courtland Volunteer Fire Department stated on its Facebook page that three units were sent to the scene at 8:26 p.m. Assistance soon came from Courtland Volunteer Rescue, as well as units from Boykins, Capron, Franklin and Hunterdale.

The fire was very soon brought under control, according to the agency’s account, and the crews stayed for about an hour inspecting and and ventilating the building. Main Street had been shut down for a time, but has since reopened.

The report added that multiple patients were attended to, and two patients taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

The detective added that all offenders housed in the jail were examined by the facility’s nurse.

The causes of the fire is under investigation.

The Tidewater News will report more details as they become available.