Newswatch

Star-Bulletin staff and wire

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Inmate treated after Big Isle prison fires

HILO >> An inmate was treated for smoke inhalation yesterday after inmates started two fires in the Hawaii Community Correctional Center, officials said.

The inmate was returned to the jail after being treated at Hilo Medical Center, they said.

The fires that were set in separate buildings burned bedding, clothing, plastic chairs, trash cans and a table, acting Capt. Henry G. Silva said.

The inmates were evacuated to outdoor recreation areas by the time firefighters arrived on the scene, he said. After dousing the fires, fans were used to clear the buildings of smoke.

Damage was estimated at $2,000, Silva said.

Both fires were contained to common areas, police Lt. Ron Paul said. Police opened two criminal property damage investigations.

A third building housing female inmates wasn't involved.

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Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers