Firefighters Respond to Blaze at Danbury Correctional

DANBURY, CT — Firefighters extinguished a fire at the Federal Correctional Institute in Danbury that put 7 FCI employees in the hospital.

The Fire Department responded to a call from FCI at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival, first responders found a fire in a laundry bin filled with towels that had been brought outside the laundry room by FCI staff. Fire crews extinguished the blaze and were alerted to possible injuries by FCI staff.

Seven FCI employees were triaged and were conscious when transported to Danbury Hospital for smoke inhalation as well as inhalation of powder from dry chemical extinguishers.

A "mass casualty incident" was declared by the Fire Department, triggering Danbury Hospital to prepare for multiple patients.

To sign up for Danbury breaking news alerts and more, click here.

The Fire Department noted on their Facebook page that the fire, under investigation by federal authorities, did not appear suspicious.

Photo via Danbury FD