Fire at Pueblo County Jail prompts evacuation

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- A fire was reported at the Pueblo County Jail Thursday morning.

Fire crews and deputies responded shortly after 10:15 a.m. to the jail on Court Street. The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said the fire was due to maintenance work being done in a wing of the tower portion of the jail. Workers were welding on the third floor when insulation caught fire.

At least one floor had to be evacuated, according to a spokesperson with the Pueblo Fire Department, but inmates were moved back to their housing area within about 30 minutes. No injuries were reported.

Deputies were able to extinguish the fire, and firefighters verified there were no more flames.

“Our detention deputies are to be commended for their quick actions in responding to and extinguishing this fire,” said Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor. “I also want to commend our partners with the Pueblo Fire Department for their rapid response and assistance in ensuring the safety of our detention center.”