(Anamosa, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections, Tuesday, said that at around 1:10-p.m., Tuesday, staff at the Anamosa State Penitentiary Prison Industries sign shop were alerted to what appeared to be a chemical reaction inside one of the shops scrap metal storage containers. Department staff immediately removed the storage container from the sign shop and chemical safety protocols were initiated. No staff or inmates were harmed during the incident.

It was ultimately determined by department staff, out of an abundance of caution, that the container be moved outside the facilities secure perimeter for remediation in a remote facility storage lot. Local fire department personnel were requested and assisted in the remediation process. Upon their arrival they were able to successfully dilute the chemical reaction without further incident.

While it appears it was an isolated incident, the department will investigate the cause and ensure the sign shop work space is safe for staff and inmates. The department thanks the Anamosa Fire Department for their timely and professional response to the incident.