Marshall County
Sheriff

Smoke Fills Sheriff's Office

December 25, 2006

Marshall County Sheriff's Office - At 13:35 hrs on 12/25/2006 smoke detectors sounded at the Marshall County Sheriff's Office and Jail Complex. (2369 Jessup Avenue, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158) The State Center Fire Department was immediately called to the scene.

Alarm panels had indicated that smoke was detected in the basement staff area of the east administration building. Jail staff and deputies immediately went to the area indicated by the alarm system and discovered heavy smoke developing in the building's lower level. They found flames being emitted from the heater duct ventilator system in a room used for staff fitness and defensive tactics training.

Marshall County Sheriff's Office staff used fire extinguishers to initially knock down the flames and get the fire out however due to heavy smoke they had to vacate the area. The State Center Fire Department immediately took action upon their arrival and after ensuring that the fire was out they began building ventilation.

Due to the quick action of staff and the fast response of the State Center Fire Department, the incident was quickly taken under control leaving minimal damage to the area. The only physical damage was to the heater duct ventilator itself that caught fire. Smoke damage was contained to the lower basement level.

Upon the alarm, jail staff immediately enacted procedures for lockdown and securing of inmates. At no time were any of the 140 inmates housed at the jail in danger from this incident.

Preliminary investigation shows that the damage was from an electrical fire that originated in a ventilator motor. This fire then traveled to various plastic and rubber insulated portions of the system which allowed the fire to grow in scope.

Estimated cost of damage and cleanup is appx. $2,500.

About Marshall County Sheriff's Office
The Marshall County, Iowa Sheriff's Office is headed up by Sheriff Ted G. Kamatchus. Sheriff Kamatchus is committed to keeping communities and neighborhoods safe in Marshall County.

For additional information or a sample copy, contact:
Sheriff Ted Kamatchus
Marshall County Sheriff's Office
641-754-6380
Fax 641-754-6325
Sheriff@co.marshall.ia.us
www.marshallcountysheriff.com

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This webpage was printed on March 28, 2024. For the most current information, visit the Marshall County, Iowa, Sheriff website at marshallcountysheriff.com.
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