Indiana Prison Removing Outlets After Inmate Cell Fires

Second hospitalization prompts safety changes at Michigan City facility

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a charred electrical outlet against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the safety concerns that prompted its removal from prison cells.A damaged electrical outlet highlights the safety risks that led to its removal from cells at the Indiana State Prison.Michigan City Today

The Indiana Department of Corrections is removing electrical outlets from cells at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City after two separate incidents where inmates were hospitalized due to cell fires caused by tampering with the outlets.

Why it matters

Cell fires pose a serious safety risk to inmates and staff, and the repeated incidents at this prison highlight the need for improved safety protocols and oversight to prevent future incidents and protect the wellbeing of those incarcerated.

The details

According to the IDOC, the most recent incident occurred when an inmate was hospitalized after a fire broke out in their cell. This follows a previous incident where another inmate was also hospitalized due to a cell fire. In both cases, the IDOC determined the fires were caused by inmates tampering with the electrical outlets in their cells.

  • The latest cell fire incident occurred on April 6, 2026.
  • A previous cell fire incident happened at the prison earlier this year.

The players

Indiana Department of Corrections

The state agency responsible for operating Indiana's prison system, including the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The IDOC has announced it will be removing all electrical outlets from cells in the D-cellhouse at the Indiana State Prison in an effort to prevent future inmate-caused cell fires.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges prisons face in maintaining the safety and security of their facilities, and the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect both inmates and staff.