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Wise County Prison Evacuated After Elevated Carbon Monoxide Readings

An on-site probe could force temporary transfers if gas levels do not clear.

Overview

  • The Texas Department of Criminal Justice ordered an evacuation after reports of high carbon monoxide levels and a possible gas leak at the Wise County facility.
  • All people inside were moved outside into the prison yard while multiple law enforcement agencies and fire departments began on-scene testing and investigation.
  • TDCJ officials reported there are no injuries and said inmates remain on-site for now but could be transferred to nearby facilities if safety tests require relocation.
  • Wise County officials said the situation is under control and asked residents to avoid the area as crews work to identify the source of the gas readings.
  • Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness, so investigators are focusing on air-quality clearance and emergency-procedure checks before returning inmates indoors.