For the Reporter
A fire in one of the large commercial dryers at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center, 620 W. James St., has been ruled accidental and started in the drum, which rotates and holds the drying clothing, Kent fire officials reported.
RJC staff first noticed smoke in the laundry room at approximately 12:53 a.m. Friday and immediately called 911. They also ensured that no personnel were in the area.
There were no reported injuries. No inmates were in the laundry room area at the time of the fire, Kent fire officials said.
When firefighters from the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority arrived, they found smoke coming from the roof of the building, which is on the backside of the complex. Taking a hose line inside they were able to extinguish the fire quickly and use large fans to remove the smoke. The fire was confined to the affected unit.
In addition to Kent units, one ladder truck from South King Fire and Rescue also responded to the call.
The dryers at the RJC are all less than a year old.
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