This Louisiana Jail is Moving 1,500 Inmates to a Secret Location
A massive Louisiana tire fire is forcing officials to evacuate around 1,500 prisoners incarcerated at Raymond Laborde Correctional Center - but where these inmates are being evacuated to is a complete mystery.
According to a report from U.S. News, a massive blaze broke out at the closed Cottonport Monofill plant in in Cottonport, Louisiana on Sunday. When the wind shifted, the plume of acrid smoke from the tires engulfed in flames reportedly started blowing directly into the prison. Obviously, this was creating a major health hazard for the inmates and staff at the prison.
Unfortunately for everyone involved, containment of the fire wasn't going to happen anytime soon as firefighters were struggling to put it out. As of Thursday, the blaze was only 35% contained. The remote location, lack of adequate access to water, and high-winds created a uniquely difficult situation for officials. That's when the authorities decided to evacuate.
Moving prisoners requires a lot of coordination and security under the best of conditions. Conducting an emergency evacuation of 1500 prisoners and staff is a completely different ballgame - but it had to be done. According to the report, the evacuation started yesterday as officials started moving inmates from the Raymond Laborde Correctional Center to a secret location. Staff and buses from other prisons have been chipping in to get everyone out as quickly as possible, but it will take a little more time to empty the facility.
According to Department of Corrections (DOC) spokesman Ken Pastorick:
Once the evacuation is completed, prisoners will be allowed to call loved ones to let them know they have been safely evacuated. The DOC is asking relatives to be patient