LINCOLN, NE — A fire at the Nebraska State Penitentiary prompted an emergency response Monday afternoon.
Officials say around 3:15 PM, inmates started a fire inside a trash can. The inmates involved blocked staff members from entering the gallery by tying the doors closed.
A news release says inmates tossed bedding and clothing into the fire causing it to spill outside the container.
The NSP corrections emergency response team entered the gallery around 28 minutes after the incident began and extinguished the fire.
At this point, it does not appear there was any fire damage to the unit, but water damage may exist. The State Fire Marshal has been notified.
No injuries to staff members or inmates have been reported.