Overview
- A transformer-related electrical fire around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday triggered the evacuation of the 240 housing unit at the Middleton Jail and House of Correction.
- The sheriff’s office initially cited 407 evacuees with no injuries, while a later update from the department’s public information officer reported 417 evacuees and one minor injury.
- Most inmates were relocated to other buildings within the secure perimeter, and some were transferred to Middlesex County facilities to maintain safety and security protocols.
- The affected building suffered significant electrical damage and currently lacks power as crews from Middleton Fire and Middleton Electric Light complete assessments and isolate systems.
- Visitation is suspended until at least Jan. 12, attorneys may still visit with possible delays, and officials say the cause of the electrical malfunction remains under investigation.