Fire breaks out in Waikeria Prison, staff negotiating with nine prisoners

Tuesday, 29 December 2020

Emergency services were called to Waikeria Prison on Tuesday after inmates lit several fires.

Waikeria Prison staff are in talks with nine inmates after several fires were lit in an apparent riot.

Fire crews were alerted to a blaze at the prison about 2.10pm on Tuesday and remain on site.

About 20 inmates were in the exercise yard when the fire started.

Staff were negotiating with nine inmates who were refusing to comply with instructions and were damaging property, Corrections said in a statement.

Fire crews have been called to Waikeria Prison, north-east of Otorohanga (file photo).

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Waikeria Prison was put into lockdown on Tuesday afternoon after a fire broke out in an exercise yard.

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A Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) staffer arrives at Waikeria Prison.

A police negotiations team arrived at the prison about 7.20pm to support Corrections staff with their talks.

Earlier on Tuesday, prisoners lit several fires in the exercise yard they were in.

“We have comprehensive procedures for managing events of prisoner disorder. Our Advanced Control and Restraint teams with specialist capability are on standby to assist if necessary,” a Corrections statement read.

“Our top priority is to resolve the situation safely.

“The prison has been locked down as a precaution. The incident is contained, and there is no threat to the safety of the public.”

A police media centre staffer said police were informed of the blaze and were at the prison in a “monitoring and supporting” role.

Waikeria Prison is located north-east of Ōtorohanga.