Investigations into Pima County Jail fire continue

TUCSON, Arizona (13 News) – Some inmates had to be evacuated late Friday, July 12, due to smoke and a fire at the Pima County Jail in the Tucson area.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said an electrical fire broke out at around 8:25 p.m. in the main annex of the Pima County Adult Jail, 1270 West Silverlake Road.

The fire broke out in a non-residential maintenance area, but out of an abundance of caution, approximately 380 occupants were evacuated.

The PCSD said the Tucson Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire and ensured safety in the area.

All inmates and correctional officers are present and all evacuated persons have been medically examined.

“Two COs were transported for further evaluation. Their injuries were not life-threatening,” said PCSD Deputy Adam Schoonover.

According to PCSD, the fire did not start in any living area of ​​the prison, so while the investigation is ongoing, there is no cause for concern, especially given that the prison has always been space-constrained.

“As far as we can see in the prison, it’s business as usual,” Schoonover said. “The intake and output processes are all the same.”

A similar fire occurred at the prison five years ago. The cause was an electrical problem resulting from rain and storm damage in the complex, which was built over 40 years ago.

“Unfortunately, it’s not surprising to hear of a fire, but it is scary,” said Liz Casey, representative of the No New Jail Coalition. “If anything, this shows that 1,800 people should not be housed in a community facility like this.”

Detectives from the PCSD’s arson unit were immediately on site to collect evidence and search the crime scene.

They will work to determine the cause of the fire and other unknown details. Certain actions are planned but will not be taken until the investigation is complete.

The PCSD said the prison remained secure throughout.

Be sure to subscribe to 13 News’ YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@13newskold

All rights reserved.