A fire at the Middleton Jail and House of Corrections caused one minor injury and extensive building damage, according to the Essex County Sheriff’s Department.
The fire broke out at the facility’s largest housing unit after a transformer exploded around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
All 417 inmates evacuated safely, with one “minor injury” reported in the hours after the fire, according to the sheriff department’s public information officer Gretchen Grosky.
Most of the inmates were moved to other buildings, but some had to be transferred to Middlesex County facilities.
Workers were still accessing the building, which saw significant electrical damage and doesn’t currently have power. Grosky said that it would likely take a few days before the department could determine when it would be safe to return.
Visitation will be suspended at the jail until at least Jan. 12, according to Grosky, but attorneys will be able to make site visits to clients, although they may be delayed.
Grosky also noted that additional personnel from the sheriff department are at the facility “to ensure the safety and security of inmates and staff.”
“The safety and security of everyone at Essex County Sheriff’s Department facilities is my top priority,” Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said in a statement. “While this is a complex situation, it is well under control thanks to the professionalism of our officers and staff. I also want to thank my fellow sheriffs for their offers of assistance, as well as the Middleton Electric and Fire Department personnel for their continued support.”
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