Extraordinary video shows fire and inmate confrontation in max-security NSW prison
Extraordinary video has emerged of fire and confrontation inside one of the NSW's top maximum security jails.
The cell blaze is thought to have been deliberately lit at Wellington, more than 300km west of Sydney on Thursday.
Officers were forced to use tasers and capsicum spray as prisoners came out swinging.
The heavily armed guards can be seen standing prepared as smoke streams from the jail cell.
One guard opens the door to the orange glow of flickering flames burning inside, with the spray of the hose clearly struggling against the heat of the fire.
When an inmate walks out with his face covered against the smoke, the prisoner appears to be surrendering.
His cellmate then emerges and attempts to assault a waiting guard.
But the quick thinking officers move in, blasting the prisoners with tear gas.
The pair fall to the ground and are dragged down the hallway away from the flames.
Thick smoke fills the room as one guard races to grab the hose and attempts to extinguish the flames.
The prisoners are placed in handcuffs and rushed downstairs to safety.
Police were called to the prison that afternoon and are now investigating how the fire started and whether a powerpoint in the cell was used to spark the blaze.
The response of staff at Wellington Correctional Centre has been praised.
"They've probably done exactly what they've been trained to do right there," Corrections Minister David Elliott said, adding he would
be nominating the guards for bravery awards.
"I am delighted at the response that we have seen out of the prison officers in Wellington," Mr Elliott said.
“They were controlled, they were courageous, they deserve our accolades.”
The two prisoners responsible are facing the likelihood of more time behind bars.'
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