Tecumseh, NE — The Tecumseh State Prison in Nebraska was placed on lockdwon Thursday after dozens of inmates started a large fire in the recreation yard.
The scene is at 2725 NE-50.
Multiple police agencies were on scene and a police helicopter was deployed to survey the damage.
Local media on scene says inmates are continuing to fuel the fire with mattresses and trash.
It was unclear if any guards were injured.
Omaha.com reported: About 4:30, five State Patrol pickups and a cruiser entered the prison grounds. A unmarked pickup carrying three armed men wearing military gear turned into the entrance road to the prison shortly afterward.
Two ambulances entered the grounds, as well.
Scotty Gottula, chairman of the Johnson County Board, said when he arrived at the scene north of the prison about 2 p.m., he could see people throwing what appeared to be mattresses on the fire.
The Tecumseh State Correctional Institution is a medium / maximum security state correctional institution.
