Large-scale blaze leaves prison without a kitchen

Monday 24 January 2022

A large-scale blaze at HMP La Moye on Friday night has left the prison without a functioning kitchen, Express has learned.

The alarm was raised at 20:05 when thick black smoke was spotted coming from the area.

Four fire engines are understood to have been sent to the prison.

Alongside firefighters, Police and paramedics remained at HMP La Moye for several hours.

No one was injured, but the kitchen has sustained serious damage. It remains unclear how prisoners will be catered for while the kitchen undergoes repair work, and how much it will cost.

With the kitchen out of action, Express understands that minimal food has been served over the weekend, with inmates offered sandwiches and instant noodles for meals.

Police told Express that the blaze is not believed to be "suspicious" following initial investigations. They said an electrical fault was believed to be the root cause.

The Government was contacted for comment on Saturday. A spokesperson said this morning that "contingency plans have been stood up and have been effective in ensuring that prisoner meals can continue to be provided without interruption."

They added this afternoon: "Arrangements were stood up for a hot meal, cooked off site and then delivered on Sunday, which was well received; this arrangement remains in place for the coming days.

"The old prison kitchen and prisoner training kitchen are currently being prepared for interim use while the main kitchen is out of bounds; these are expected to be ready this week, and so cooked food will once again be handled on site."

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