Sheriff Lawson updates on Cleveland Justice Center kitchen fire investigation

Bradley County officials received an important update regarding a recent kitchen fire at the Justice Center during the County Commission Work Session on April 21, 2025. Sheriff Lawson reported that the fire occurred around 6:30 PM on Tuesday, shortly after the kitchen staff had completed meal preparations for the day.

The Cleveland Fire Department conducted an investigation and determined that the fire was ignited by towels that had been removed from the dryer just two hours prior. These towels were placed on a cart in the kitchen, leading to the combustible incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the facility was empty at the time of the fire.

This incident highlights the importance of safety protocols in public facilities. The county is expected to review its kitchen operations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The sheriff's update reassured the community that swift action was taken to address the situation, ensuring the safety of both staff and inmates.

As the county moves forward, officials will likely focus on enhancing safety measures to protect against potential hazards in the Justice Center and other county facilities.