Jail staff praised for ‘swift action’ evacuating inmates during suspected fire

JOHNSON COUNTY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Johnson County jail dormitory was evacuated early Saturday in what was ultimately a false alarm, local officials reported.

Firefighters were called to the jail complex around 2:24 a.m. on June 14. Staff said they heard a popping noise and then saw what looked like smoke and fire coming from a building with inmates sleeping inside.

The staff quickly moved the affected inmates to another secure location while they waited for the Johnson County Fire Protection District to arrive.

Firefighters found no fire or hazards at the facility, but KCFPD Captain Joe Jennings praised the staff’s quick response.

“We always take these calls seriously, especially when they involve a secure facility and lives at stake,” Jennings said. “The jail staff did an excellent job responding quickly, and we’re relieved the incident posed no immediate danger.”

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