Prisoners treated after three fires break out at Arthur Gorrie jail
Three fires broke out in a single day at the state’s remand centre, Arthur Gorrie jail, in Brisbane’s southwest today. Several prisoners required treatment and fire crews were still on site overnight.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two fires broke out at Arthur Gorrie Jail on Monday night following another blaze earlier in the day.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokesman said crews were called to an indoor fire and an outdoor fire at the prison just before 10pm.
Crews remained on scene well into the night, with prison personnel assigned to assist crews tackling the indoor blaze.
Everything you need to know about jail lockdown
He said prisoners had been taken out of their cells in the affected areas and were secured elsewhere.
Paramedics also attended and treated several patients for smoke inhalation.
It is unknown how the fires started, but initial reports indicate a rubbish fire began the outdoor blaze.
It came after an earlier blaze started about 10.30am on Monday morning.
Three fire crews arrived on scene around 11.20am and the blaze was extinguished just after midday, according to officers.
A Queensland Corrective Services spokesman confirmed a fire broke out in a cell at the jail.
“Officers extinguished the fire quickly and have no reported injuries,” the spokesman said.
“Five prisoners are being treated for minor smoke inhalation.
“Officers at the centre have been praised for their professionalism and quick response and management of the incident.”
The remand centre houses more than 1000 prisoners and is currently on Stage 4 restrictions which means an entire lockdown.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the jail and officers from Brisbane jail were also asked to provide help.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.