Port Phillip Prison in lockdown after huge fire

DOZENS of court cases have been cancelled after a fire at Port Phillip Prison meant prisoners could not be taken to court. Taxpayers could be forced to pay the costs of lawyers who were supposed to appear in court.

DOZENS of court cases have been cancelled after a fire at Port Phillip Prison meant prisoners could not be taken to court.

Over fifty firefighters spent hours battling the fire which broke out in the prison administration area about 1.30am.

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The prison remains in lockdown.

All prisoner transfers to court and videolinks from the prison have been cancelled.

Bail applications have also been cancelled, trials halted and a series of other cases adjourned off.

It could see dozens of applications for costs to be awarded to lawyers, costing taxpayers in excess of $100,000.

Emergency services at Port Phillip Prison. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Staff wait outside the prison. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Crews heading to fight the fire this morning reported seeing thick smoke and flames coming from the prison.

When they arrived, they found the control room fully ablaze.

It took two-and-a-half hours for fire crews to take control of the fire.

They remain on scene.

Dozens of staff were evacuated from the area and prisoners were put into lockdown.

No one was injured.

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A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the fire has been deemed non-suspicious.

The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical.

More than 50 firefighters battled the blaze. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Police at the scene this morning. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A smoke warning was issued for the Truganina and Laverton North area.

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Originally published as Port Phillip Prison in lockdown after huge fire