Fire Injures 1 At Smith Co. Low Risk Jail

TYLER - A fire broke out Monday afternoon at the Smith County Low Risk Jail facility off Highway 69 in north Tyler.

The fire caused the jail staff to quickly go into an emergency and evacuation mode.

About 3:00 a maintenance worker was tightening a gas valve.

A second valve suddenly released gas which was then ignited by a nearby water heater.

Jail officials say, the small explosion burned the worker, but he was able to walk away before being taken to a nearby hospital.

During the incident, inmates were evacuated to a secure location on the premise under guards supervision.

Smith County Sheriff J.B. Smith says the man's injuries were not serious.