Hurricane — An afternoon fire in the laundry room at Purgatory Correctional Facility in Hurricane Friday caused authorities to temporarily move inmates from one section of the jail to another, said Washington County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jake Schultz.
The fire, which began in one of the dryers in the laundry area, was quickly extinguished, although ventilating smoke from the area took time. Area fire crews were dispatched to the fire at 3:19 p.m.
Chief Tom Kuhlmann with the Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue District said jail staff already had the fire knocked down before it rekindled.
“The staff of the jail did a great job securing the area nicely in the fire,” said Kuhlmann. “We arrived on scene to finish the last little bit of extinguishment.”
Firefighters began ventilating the building after the fire was contained. Damage was minimal, Kuhlmann said, and there were no injuries to either jail staff or inmates.
Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue District, St. George City Fire Department, Washington City Fire Department, Hurricane City Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the fire.
This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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