Overnight Fire at Johnson County Jail Facility Prompts Evacuation of Inmates From One Building
Fire crews responded overnight to a reported structure fire at the Johnson County Jail in rural Centerview, after jail staff reported seeing flames and smoke on the exterior of one of the inmate housing buildings.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:24 a.m. Saturday at the jail facility located at 278 SW 871 Road. Jail staff reported hearing popping noises before observing what appeared to be fire and smoke outside one of the dormitory-style housing units. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Jail complex includes several separate buildings, and the affected structure was actively housing inmates at the time, according to a press release from the Johnson County Fire Protection District.
Jail staff acted quickly, safely evacuating the individuals from the building and relocating them to a secure area elsewhere within the facility prior to the arrival of responding fire crews.
Johnson County Fire Protection District (JCFPD), with assistance from Johnson County Fire Protection District #2 (JCFPD2), responded with personnel from three JCFPD stations and one JCFPD2 station. Firefighters gained access to the facility, pulled a hoseline, and conducted a thorough investigation. No fire or hazards were found.
“We always take these calls seriously, especially when they involve a secure facility and lives at stake,” said JCFPD Captain Joe Jennings. “The jail staff did an excellent job responding quickly, and we’re relieved the incident posed no immediate danger.”
“We're grateful for the quick response from the fire district and proud of how our staff handled the situation,” said Johnson County Sheriff Scott Munsterman.
“Although no fire was found, our jail staff acted quickly and professionally to evacuate the affected area and ensure everyone was safely secured in another building within the facility. Their swift actions helped prevent what could have been a much more serious situation," the sheriff said.
"The incident highlights the strong coordination between jail staff and responding fire agencies in protecting public safety, the press release concluded.
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