Rockland — Firefighters were called to the Knox County Jail just after 2 p.m. on Oct. 31 in response to a report of smoke in the booking area of the facility.

According to Rockland Fire Chief Charles Jordon Jr., firefighters encountered a "light smoke condition," which Assistant Chief Adam Micelli subsequently reported was likely due to a short circuit in a turnstile fan switch.

No inmates were moved during the incident.

Asst. Chief Micelli described the jail as a "defending facility," and said that during a more serious situation inmates and staff can be moved into an appropriate section of the building without compromising safety of inmates, jail workers, or the general public.

"There's a good chance they would never be in danger and still be in the building," Micelli said, adding that the jail's access-controlled doors are "kind of a firefighter's nightmare."

Contractor B.C. Electric of Owls Head was called in to assess the situation after firefighters ensured the scene was safe.

Courier Publications reporter Bane Okholm can be reached at 594-4401 ext. 125 or by email at bokholm@courierpublicationsllc.com.

Rockland Fire Chief Charles Gordon, Jr. indicates the part of Knox County Jail that was affected by the smoke incident. (Photo by: Bane Okholm)

Rockland Fire Lieutenant Francis Johnson operates a thermal imaging camera above the Knox County Jail booking area as Assistant Chief Adam Micelli looks on. (Photo by: Bane Okholm)

Rockland Assistant Fire Chief Adam Micelli reports back to Chief Charles Gordon, Jr. following the smoke incident. (Photo by: Bane Okholm)

Rockland firefighters Katie Vanorse and Rusty Barnard return equipment to their truck after exiting the Knox County Jail. (Photo by: Bane Okholm)