LAWRENCE CO., Ill. - The fire last night (Thursday, July 28) at Lawrence Correctional was a big deal in the two-county area (Lawrence and Richland), but it didn't last long, no injuries resulted, and damage was limited.
The fire was limited to the laundry room on the east side of the facility, which was sited in rural Sumner 15 years ago and has never had a fire call this big in response.
Christy Fire Protection District (in Sumner) and Bridgeport Fire Department were the first departments to respond to the 9:19 p.m. fire alarm. At 9:26, Olney Fire Department was called out and arrived at 9:38.
Authorities identified the location of the fire as listed above.
One of Olney's crews searched the second level of the prison for fire extension, but by that time no further assistance with the fire was required; in fact. Olney didn't even roll out hoses, just provided mutual aid/manpower, in particular, with clearing the area.
Large fans, we were told, were utilized to rid the area of smoke. The scene was determined "cleaned up" as early as 11 p.m., thanks to the efficient work of the firefighting crews.
We've not been told how far away from the inmates the fire actually was. Look for that next week after IDOC gets back with us on our inquiries.