By John Reed Staff Writer
KNOX — Inmates at the Starke County Jail were transferred to Marshall and Pulaski counties late Sunday night following a small fire.
Six Knox Fire Department units responded to a 911 call about 8 p.m., during the jail’s weekly Sunday evening visitation.

The blaze was believed to have been started when an inmate set a mattress afire. There was little damage, but the jail was filled with smoke and fumes, which led to the decision to evacuate the prisoners.
Sheriff Oscar Dowen said he expected the prisoners would be back in their cells by today. Some where taken to the walled outdoor recreation area while firefighters were on the scene.
The Indiana Fire Marshall was called to investigate. Prisoners were transported on a school bus. Sheriff Oscar Cowen told families waiting outside to visit inmates that the visiting hours would be made up sometime during the week.