Inmates spark two fires at Perth’s Casuarina Prison

Highly-trained special operations group officers were required after a “disturbance” and fire at WA’s biggest jail today, authorities have confirmed.

The Department of Justice says SOG officers were deployed to Casuarina Prison after five prisoners in their 20s barricaded themselves in the day room and damaged some property.

“The prisoners also had access to a yard area and had set fire to paper and clothing,” the department said in a statement.

“The disturbance was limited to part of the unit, which was locked-down. Other prisoners in the unit did not take part in the incident.

“Specially-trained response teams from Casuarina worked with the SOG to quickly bring the incident under control. All fires have been extinguished and there are no reported injuries.

“Police are examining the damage and whether criminal offences have been committed by the alleged offenders who will also be subject to internal prison penalties.”

It’s understood at least two separate fires were set inside the jail.

WA Prison Officers’ Union secretary Andy Smith said the fires started in one unit of the jail.

“The fire brigade and ambulance are on site,” he said.

“No-one at this stage is hurt however the prisoners have set fire in the day room in one wing and at least one cell.”

A DFES spokeswoman confirmed to The West Australian there was a “small fire” at the jail but it had since been put out.

Casuarina prison is WA’s main maximum-security prison for male prisoners in WA. It houses some of the State’s most serious and dangerous inmates.