Only slight damage was caused by a fire late Saturday night at the Washington Parish Jail.
But the fire created heavy smoke in one of the jail’s cell blocks. All jail inmates were evacuated.
No injuries were reported due to the fire, which occurred shortly before 10 p.m.
WPSO and State Fire Marshal's investigators officials have determined that the fire was caused by 2 jail inmates.
The two inmates are facing new charges in connection with a July 18, 2026, fire that caused the evacuation of the entire Washington Parish Jail.
Following an investigation 69-year-old Harold G. Russell, an inmate from Bogalusa, and 41-year-old Eric Causey, an inmate from Franklinton, were each charged with Fire Raising in a Correctional Facility, a violation of Louisiana Revised Statute 14:204.1.
On July 20 the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office requested the State Fire Marshal's Office investigate the fire.
Investigators determined that an improvised smoking device fell into an air-conditioning vent, where it caught fire. The fire produced significant smoke and smoke damage, prompting the evacuation of the entire jail.
No injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds the public that anyone with information regarding fire-related crimes is encouraged to submit an anonymous tip by visiting lasfm.org and selecting the “Arson Fires” icon.
