Fire Inside Overcrowded Muscogee County Jail Under Criminal Investigation

COLUMBUS, Ga. — A fire inside the Muscogee County Jail prompted the relocation of approximately 500 inmates and has sparked a criminal investigation, according to Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman.

The incident occurred during routine jail cell shakedowns conducted by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Jail Bureau to search for weapons and other prohibited contraband.

Sheriff Countryman said the jail is currently operating at approximately 200 inmates above its maximum capacity.

During the searches, deputies discovered several prohibited items, including handmade weapons. Investigators believe inmates in a South Tower dorm retaliated after the contraband was confiscated.

According to the sheriff’s office, inmates fashioned a wick from tissue paper and placed it inside a ventilation system, where it ignited and produced heavy smoke. Authorities believe the wick may have been lit using an electrical outlet.

As a precaution, approximately 500 inmates were immediately moved to secure and non-secure areas of the jail while emergency personnel addressed the situation.

Both on-duty and off-duty sheriff’s deputies responded to the facility, along with officers from the Columbus Police Department. Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units were also deployed to help ensure no escape attempts occurred during the incident.

Inmates requiring medical attention were evaluated by the jail’s medical provider. Officials did not release information regarding the number or severity of any injuries.

The Columbus Fire Department and emergency medical personnel also responded to the scene.

Sheriff Countryman credited Lt. Thornton and his squad for their quick response and thanked first responders for helping maintain the safety of inmates and staff.

The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office has classified the incident as a criminal investigation, and no additional details have been released.