The fire at a jail in Shediac, N.B. is now out but excessive damage from smoke and water means that Southeast Regional Correctional Centre is no longer habitable.
Several vans were observed leaving the jail carrying inmates to another facility, though no one from the province’s Department of Public Safety was available to confirm where they are now being held.
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The province has confirmed a fire started at the Southeast Regional Correctional Centre at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
Officials say it began in a ‘non-offender housing area’ and there are no injuries to staff or offenders.
Julien Boudreau, a captain with the Shediac Fire Department told Global News that when crews arrived they found heavy smoke pouring out of the second and third floors of an administration building.
“We declared it fully under control in nearly an hour,” said Boudreau.
In total, nearly 40 firefighters responded to the blaze.
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“Evacuation protocols were followed to ensure safety,” said Elaine Bell, director of communications for the department of justice and public safety.
“Offenders and staff are in a safe staging area. Fire crews and police are currently on site.”
Bell adds that security is contained and there is no threat to public safety.
Investigators are still on scene and are expected to return tomorrow.
It’s not clear when the building will be cleared to house offenders.
— With files from Shelley Steeves