MIDDLETON — A transformer at the county jail exploded outside an inmate housing unit, causing a fire that forced the evacuation of 407 inmates around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The incident occurred outside the jail’s largest housing unit and resulted in the evacuation of inmates to other buildings within the secure perimeter of the jail complex.
The Middleton Jail and House of Correction is operated by the Essex County Sheriff’s Department.
The evacuation was orderly and secure, and there were no injuries, according to a spokeswoman for the department.
The Middleton Fire Department extinguished the fire quickly and was supported with firefighter personnel and equipment from surrounding communities.
The Essex County Sheriff’s Department has brought in additional personnel to maintain security at the facility. The housing unit affected by the explosion and fire remains offline as firefighter crews and personnel from Middleton Electric assess the damage.
“We train for emergencies like this, and tonight the professionalism, skill, and judgment of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department employees were on full display,” said Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger. “They handled a difficult and complex situation efficiently and effectively. I am grateful to our employees, the Middleton Fire Department, Middleton Electric, and the responding fire departments for their outstanding work.”
This is a breaking news story; more information will be posted online and in the next edition of The Salem News.