State Prison Fire Forces Evacuation of 650 Inmates, Raises Concerns Over Safety Measures in Texas Prison System

A fire broke out on Friday morning at a state prison in Texas, prompting the evacuation of over 650 inmates. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to Amanda Hernandez, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The fire seemed to be contained to the attic and third floor of the administration building, as well as the attic of a unit that houses inmates. Initially, the inmates were relocated to other areas within the prison in Huntsville, located approximately 65 miles north of Houston. However, Hernandez later confirmed that about 400 of the displaced inmates will be transferred to other facilities across the state. While the fire has been contained, firefighters are still working to extinguish small fires in concealed spaces, as noted by Huntsville Fire Chief Greg Mathis.

The cause of the fire remains unknown and will be investigated once fully extinguished. Hernandez reassured the public that all inmates and staff are safe and accounted for. Huntsville serves as the headquarters for the Texas prison system, which houses over 130,000 inmates—more than any other state in the U.S. The incident has drawn attention to the condition of the Texas prison system's numerous facilities, raising concerns about fire prevention measures and the absence of full air conditioning in most units. A report from the State Fire Marshal's Office in 2021 highlighted numerous violations, including malfunctioning fire alarm systems in the units.

Additionally, the report noted the use of steam kettles as fryers and the absence of records documenting the testing of fire doors, dampers, and standpipe systems. In response to these findings, Texas lawmakers approved additional funding for repairs and improvements in May, with the extra funds set to become available in the next budget cycle beginning in September. The Huntsville Unit, with its 174-year-old history and nickname "Walls Unit" due to its red brick walls, currently houses approximately 1,600 prisoners but has capacity for around 1,700.

While the fire did not affect the facility's death chamber, where condemned inmates are executed, Hernandez stated that it should not impact the execution schedule. The next scheduled execution is set for October 10, with Jedidiah Murphy facing capital punishment for the murder of a 79-year-old woman in 2000. The cause of the fire is being investigated.