FIREFIGHTERS CONTAIN SCOTT COUNTY JAIL FIRE

BENTON -- Little damage was reported from a fire started by inmates Saturday afternoon near the rear of the Scott County Jail.

Sheriff Bill Ferrell said the jail staff extinguished the fire at about 3 p.m. while some of the 45 prisoners were evacuated. He credited limited damage to the jail staff's quick reaction.

Fans to exhaust the smoke were brought to the jail by members of the NBC Rural Fire Department.

Inmates needed no medical treatment and were returned to their cells without problems, Ferrell said.

After an investigation, charges will be sought against the prisoners suspected of starting the fire.

The fire was believed started by using flame-retardant mattresses and blankets, the sheriff said.

After a March 13 fire at the jail, four inmates were placed on administrative lockdown.