Fire Damages Goods in Prison Canteen

(Concord, NH) The New Hampshire Department of Corrections announces that a fire occurred in the Outside Canteen Unit of the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. No inmates or staff were injured or needed evacuation.

On Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at approximately 3:15 p.m. Correctional staff responded to an alarm and observed smoke in the room. The prison sprinkler system extinguished the fire and the Concord Fire Department responded.

The NH State Fire Marshall is investigating, as is the New Hampshire Board of Health, which will determine how much of the inventory must be destroyed. The cause is unknown but it is not believed to be suspicious. Replacement canteen items will be ordered as necessary.