A fire broke out inside a cell at Western Plains Correctional Centre in Geelong on Tuesday, prompting an immediate response from emergency services and the evacuation of inmates.
Incident Details
The fire was reported in the late afternoon within a single cell at the prison, located in Lara. Staff quickly activated emergency protocols, and firefighters from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) attended the scene. The blaze was contained to the one cell, and no injuries were reported among inmates or staff.
Response and Investigation
Corrections Victoria confirmed that the fire was extinguished promptly, and the affected area was secured. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire, with initial assessments suggesting it may have been deliberately started. The incident is being treated as suspicious, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting interviews.
Prison Operations
Western Plains Correctional Centre, which houses maximum-security inmates, resumed normal operations after the incident. Prison officials emphasized that safety measures were effective in preventing the fire from spreading. The inmate involved has been moved to a different cell pending the investigation.
This is not the first fire incident at the facility, which has faced scrutiny over security and management. However, officials stated that emergency preparedness drills helped ensure a swift response.
Community and Official Reactions
Local authorities have assured the community that there was no risk to the public. Geelong police are assisting with the investigation. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing prison safety and preventing contraband or illicit activities.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Corrections Victoria has not disclosed the identity of the inmate involved.
