Small fire causes $500 damage at South West Detention Centre

An inmate allegedly started a fire in his cell at the South West Detention Centre on Tuesday afternoon, which caused little damage but left him in need of a trip to the hospital.

John Lee of Windsor Fire and Rescue Services told CBC News that firefighters were called to the jail at 12:40 p.m.

When they arrived at the scene, the fire had been "mostly extinguished" by staff at the jail.

Brent Ross, a spokesman for the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, said the fire is being investigated by both the ministry and police.

Lee said the fire is believed to have caused about $500 in damage. 

Ross said the inmate who started the fire was taken to hospital for treatment. Lee said the inmate was treated for minor smoke inhalation.