In Men’s Central Jail, incidents of fires are alarmingly common, yet smoke alarms are noticeably absent, painting a concerning safety picture within the facility. Mary Veral, a member of a county jail oversight commission, has been a regular visitor to the jail and has often been greeted by the unmistakable smell of burning. The situation took a worrisome turn this summer when she witnessed foot-high flames in three cells of a second-floor block.
Veral expressed her shock, highlighting the gravity of the situation, and immediately alerted the staff. However, their response left much to be desired. They attributed the incident to a typical occurrence on Monday nights when inmates prepare commissary items—products bought from the jail to supplement their regular rations.
However, former inmates and jail staff members have revealed that this issue extends beyond Monday nights. Fires, at times significant in scale, frequently erupt within the jail premises, posing a grave safety hazard. This recurrent problem raises substantial concerns, and if left unaddressed, it could potentially lead to a larger and more devastating blaze.
The inadequate response to these fire hazards and the absence of essential safety measures underscore the urgent need for immediate action and a comprehensive reassessment of safety protocols at Men’s Central Jail. A thorough investigation and proactive steps are imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of all within the facility. Stay tuned for updates as we closely monitor this pressing issue.