An investigation is underway after a fire broke out at the Lowndes County Detention Center on Friday night.
According to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the fire is believed to have been purposely set inside an inmate’s cell around 9:38 p.m. The blaze forced deputies to temporarily relocate nine inmates housed in the area while firefighters worked to put it out.
Two inmates were treated at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, one for possible smoke inhalation and the other for minor burns. Both have since been returned to the Lowndes County Detention Center.
Three deputies were also taken to Baptist Memorial and treated for smoke inhalation. All are expected to make a full recovery.
“All safety measures were in place and protocols were followed,” Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said. “This is something that we train for. We are very fortunate no serious injuries occurred. Criminal charges could be filed once the investigation into the fire is complete.”
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case. Full damage estimates have yet to be completed.
