Update from Rob Graham of the Oliver Fire Department:

We had 6 firefighters inside with a fire inside a cell. All prisoners had been relocated. Once our crews arrived to the cell where the fire had been they knocked down any still smouldering materials and removed them from the cell.

We had no issues inside and were escorted to and from cell blocks by Corrections Officers. Each cell block has been outfitted with stand pipes, so the only equipment we required take with us is some lengths of hose and a couple fire extinguishers.

2 pumpers, duty truck and chief were on scene
We were there for about 45 mins

3:00 am Wednesday – snow is falling
Oliver firefighters dispatched to Okanagan Correctional Centre – north of Oliver – confirmation of emergency from prison staff

Report of fire in one cell – help requested from on duty corrections officers. Two fire units respond and entered the prison at the northwest corner. Extent of blaze and damage not known.
Command terminated at 3:45 am and equipment returned to base.

 

*** Earlier

September 2nd 2019 1pm Monday

Location: OCC Okanagan Correctional Centre – 200 Enterprise Way – Oliver

Fire in one cell, according to officials a mattress and a blanket on fire.

Oliver Fire Department allowed access with a hose and to remove debris. In a cell block at north east quadrant. No known injuries