A fire occurred at the Liberty County Jail on the night of April 7, 2025, leading to the evacuation of inmates and hospitalization of correctional officers. Initial reports suggested that the fire was started by an inmate during a disturbance. However, further investigation by the Liberty County Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the blaze was caused by a faulty light fixture ballast in an office area.
Incident Details:
Time and Location: The fire broke out around 9:20 p.m. on April 7 at the Liberty County Jail, located at 2400 Beaumont Avenue. Evacuation: Approximately 30 to 50 inmates were relocated from the affected dormitories to other parts of the facility due to heavy smoke. Injuries: Five correctional officers were treated for smoke inhalation at the Liberty Dayton Emergency Center and were released the same evening. No inmates reported injuries.
Facility Compliance Issues:
Prior to the fire, the Liberty County Jail had been cited for multiple compliance violations by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. A report from February 2025 highlighted issues such as damaged or inoperable lighting fixtures, clutter, overcrowding, and a failed fire inspection. These unaddressed violations had raised concerns about the facility’s safety and operational standards.
Additional Incident:
In a related event, Liberty County Fire Marshal Nathan Green sustained minor injuries in a vehicle accident while responding to the jail fire. His county-issued truck was struck by debris from an 18-wheeler on the Grand Parkway, causing significant damage and rendering the vehicle inoperable.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and is addressing the compliance issues identified in previous inspections.