More fires at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre after initial blaze injures six
A series of more fires have been started at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre on Monday afternoon and evening after an initial fire in a cell injured six people, Queensland Corrective Services said.
All prisons from the NSW border to Rockhampton, including Arthur Gorrie, are in lockdown under stage four restrictions because of the risk of coronavirus.
Prisons including Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre remained in Stage Four lockdown on Friday.Credit:Google Maps
Five fire crews were called to the facility on Ipswich Road Darra, south-west of Brisbane, about 10pm on Monday to quell "a small rubbish fire". Firefighters ensured the area was safe and left shortly after.
It came after three fire crews were called to the facility the first time about 11.20am in response to flames breaking out in one of the cells.
Firefighters were escorted into the facility by security, who told them the flames were extinguished by corrective services staff using an internal hose reel. All three fire crews left the scene by 12.10pm.
In a statement, Queensland Corrective Services confirmed that after the initial cell fire, prison staff dealt with "a number of other small fires" for the rest of the day.
"Yesterday [Monday] morning, a fire started in a cell at the centre that officers were able to extinguish and five prisoners and one officer were treated for smoke inhalation," the department said.
"Following the initial fire, a number of other small fires were started in the late afternoon and evening which were all since been extinguished.
"A number of prisoners are being treated for smoke inhalation and no officers have been injured as a result.
"The centre remains in Stage 4 lockdown and the damage to the prison will be assessed later this morning.
"Officers from Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre have been praised for their professionalism and resilience in dealing with a complex situation."