Mississippi  Department of  Corrections

Christopher B. Epps	Phil Bryant
Commissioner	Governor

Date:       April 16, 2002

Contact:  Jennifer Griffin

Phone:    (601) 359-5721

Fax:        (601) 359-5738

STATE FIRE MARSHALL’S OFFICE

Jackson¾The Mississippi State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating a fire that completely destroyed a building at the Mississippi State Penitentiary (MSP) at Parchman, Miss.  The fire occurred at the Internal Audit building, located on Guard Row at MSP.

Three MDOC employees noticed smoke coming from the building and reported the fire at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 31.  The MSP Fire Department responded and immediately began to put out the fire that had begun burning through the roof of the building.   Shortly upon arrival there were two explosions that engulfed the building in flames.

The Drew and Ruleville Volunteer Fire Departments were requested and assisted in protecting nearby structures from exposure to the fully engulfed building.  There were no deaths or injuries resulting from the fire.

The State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the fire as it does all fires occurring at buildings owned by state agencies.