INMATE CAUSES SMALL FIRE AT EASTERN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE

Westover, MD-On August 12, 2024, a fire broke out in an inmate's jail cell, drawing immediate attention from the correctional staff at the Eastern Correctional Institute, located at 30420 Revells Neck Road, Westover, Somerset County, Maryland.

The correctional facility, a two-story, state-owned establishment, averted what could have turned into a major disaster. The cause? An inmate's careless disregard for the strict no-smoking policy maintained by the state correctional facility.

The incident happened at approximately 1:20 PM. The fire originated from the inmate's clothing due to accidental ignition by a cigarette. The inmate quickly controlled the situation, smothering most of the flames before the correctional officers arrived to extinguish the remainder.

Fortunately, the incident didn't cause any structural damage, and the estimated loss is a meager $25-the cost of the ruined clothing. More importantly, no injuries were reported.