Massachusetts Inmate Starts Fire in Cell

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (AP) -- An unruly inmate at Bridgewater State Hospital was removed from his cell, but not before he fought with hospital personnel and started a fire that sent five officers for treatment of smoke inhalation, an official said.

Correction Department spokesman Justin Latini said the incident occurred about 6 a.m. Monday. When hospital personnel entered the inmate's cell, a medical staffer was assaulted. Latini would not disclose what was burning in the cell, which the man had to himself.

Latini said the inmate was removed from the cell unharmed.

Five correctional officers were sent to a nearby hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, Latini said.

He also said all inmates in the unit were temporarily removed.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

The Bridgewater hospital is part of the state correctional system, and houses inmates with special problems, including sex molesters.