His Majesty’s Prison Belmarsh, located in south-east London, was the site of a fire incident when an inmate set fire to his cell within the punishment block. Staff at the Category-A men’s prison in Thamesmead alerted the London Fire Brigade just before midnight on Monday, July 17, 2023.
Upon receiving the call, firefighters promptly responded to the scene. However, by the time they arrived, prison staff had already taken action to tackle the blaze and extinguish the flames. The Prison Service confirmed that no injuries were reported in connection with the incident. As per protocol, the fire service is automatically alerted in the event of any fire within the prison premises.
A prison source stated, “Staff quickly extinguished the cell fire. No one was injured, and the fire brigade was called.” The prisoner responsible for the fire will face consequences for his actions as he will be placed on report and subjected to punishment.
Firefighters conducted a thorough check for hotspots using a thermal imaging camera to ensure the complete extinguishment of the fire. The prompt response and collaboration between prison staff and the fire service prevented any significant damage or injuries.
Belmarsh Prison, known for its Category-A classification, houses inmates who are considered high-risk and pose a potential threat to the public. The facility has stringent security measures in place to maintain order and ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.
Authorities will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by prison staff and the importance of effective security protocols within correctional facilities.
