A fire broke out at the Dendermonde prison on Monday evening, prompting the evacuation of 150 prisoners to the exercise yard, prison administration spokesperson Kathleen Van De Vijver said.
The blaze started in a room containing washing machines and dryers, during maintenance on one of the machines. Initial reports suggest the fire was due to a technical issue rather than arson.
Prisoners and staff were evacuated, but one prisoner, whose cell was above the laundry room, was taken to hospital after inhaling smoke.
Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene, and the fire is now under control, Ms Van De Vijver confirmed.
