Hamilton County, TN - Chattanooga Fire Department units were dispatched to the Hamilton County Jail earlier tonight to investigate a report of smoke on the 5th floor. Upon arriving on scene, it was found that an inmate had set off a powdered fire extinguisher. As per the jail emergency evacuation plan, prisoners from the affected area of the jail were evacuated to other secure areas within the jail as a precaution.

There were no injuries.

Corrections Staff will take appropriate corrective action once the inmate responsible for maliciously releasing the extinguisher has been found.

Special thanks to the Chattanooga Fire and Police Department(s) for their quick response and to Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Corrections staff for rapidly implementing the jail’s emergency evacuation plan as per standard operating procedures.

There will be no further information released regarding this incident.