“The prison has been locked down as a precaution.”
March said the incident was contained to the yard and there was no threat to the safety of the public or the wider prison.
“There are no reports of injury to staff and prisoners, however, St John is on site as a precaution.
“Our advanced control and restraint team with specialist capability has been dispatched to the site to assist if necessary, and we have comprehensive procedures for managing incidents where prisoners refuse to comply with staff orders.”
Fire and Emergency shift manager Michael Anderson said they received a call at 3.18pm reporting a building fire at the Waikato prison.
They have sent eight engines, including four fire trucks, two water tankers, one ladder truck and a command unit to the scene.
“The situation is developing,” Anderson said.
Spring Hill Corrections Facility in the Waikato is one of the country’s biggest prisons. Photo / Google Earth
When asked whether firefighters had been able to access the fire yet, he said they were liaising with the Corrections staff.
He could not yet say how large the fire was.
Police said they were advised of a reported disorder and fire at Springhill Corrections Facility about 3.50pm.
“Officers are in attendance and will assist as required.”
Hato Hone St John is aware of the incident, a spokeswoman said but would not confirm whether they were attending.
Police and Corrections have been approached for comment.
Spring Hill is located on a 215ha site near Meremere in the Waikato and is one of the country’s biggest prisons.
More to come