Inmates removed from cell area at Wallens Ridge State Prison for small fire

A spokesperson with the Virginia Department of Corrections confirmed a small fire located near a prisoner’s cell at Wallens Ridge State Prison resulted in some inmates being evacuated for a short time.

A statement obtained by Bristol Broadcasting News said correctional team members at the Big Stone Gap facility responded to a fire on Thursday evening located in a pipe chase behind the individual’s cell. Incarcerated individuals were temporarily removed from the pod to ensure safety and as a precautionary measure, medical staff evaluated all individuals in the pod, according to the report. No injuries were reported to corrections team members or inmates.

DOC investigators are currently evaluating the death of a Wallens Ridge inmate one week ago. The state report said life-saving measures were attempted while at the facility and the prisoner later died at an area hospital.

A report from WRIC in Richmond said six inmates died at DOC facilities within the last week. One was ruled a suicide and three of the prisoners died of natural causes, according to the agency’s preliminary report.

(IMAGE: Contributed Photo / BBC VA)