From the Cayman Islands Fire Service and Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service

Grand Cayman (GIS) –The public are advised that yesterday evening (Thursday, 11 October 2018) a resident at HMP Northward lit a small fire within the cell of which he was the sole occupant. The fire was quickly extinguished by prison staff.

As is routine in such incidents, emergency services were called. The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) attended to confirm that the fire was fully extinguished and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service was also present.

The prisoner who lit the fire was taken by ambulance to hospital for examination as a result of smoke inhalation.

Director of Prisons Steve Barrett said, “Fire has the potential to create destructive levels of smoke and within a prison environment, the risks associated with this are significantly amplified. I am extremely grateful for the swift intervention of the prison staff in dealing with the situation so competently and effectively. The quick response of our emergency service partners is also hugely appreciated”.

CIFS are conducting an investigation as required by law to establish the cause of the fire and an internal Prison Service review of the incident will follow as is routine for such events.