Prison fire thought deliberate

A blaze at Auckland's Mt Eden Prison on Tuesday night was probably started deliberately, Corrections staff say.

The fire started in a pile of plastic crates used for storing milk and vegetables, fire safety officer Ray Coleman said.

Prison boss Neville Mark said it was thought the fire was caused by a prisoner setting fire to an item in a cell and throwing it out on to a nearby rubbish skip.

But Mr Coleman said while that was a possibility, it was yet to be confirmed.

"I'm still checking the temperature that's required for the ignition of the plastic crates."

But "an introduced source" had caused the fire, he said.

His investigations will continue over the next couple of days.

Quick action by staff prevented the fire from getting out of hand, Mr Mark said.

Smoke started pouring into the unit about 7.30pm.

"Staff acted quickly to unlock prisoners from their cells and move them into a safe area, while other staff used fire extinguishers to douse the flames while waiting on the Fire Service," Mr Mark said.

"No prisoners or staff were injured during the incident and the prison is operating business as usual."

Police would make a decision on any criminal charges, Mr Mark said.

- NZPA