Fire at Gwinnett Jail Causes Damage, No Injuries

A fire at the Gwinnett County Detention Center caused damage to a mechanical room, but no injuries.

Firefighters were dispatched to the jail shortly after 6:39 a.m. this morning. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames showing from a boiler in a mechanical room on the right rear side of the building.

Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control using a single handline.

According to acting Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services public information officer Lt. Eric Eberly, the blaze caused damage to the boiler only. The inmates were not evacuated and operations at the jail were not affected.

Jail command staff advised the boilers are used only to prepare food and heat the building. Detention center personnel have implemented a contingency plan to feed the inmates lunch and dinner if needed.

Officials say the fire was accidental and caused by a mechanical malfunction.