ROCKLAND — A report of light smoke in the booking area at the Knox County Jail on Park Street was traced to a fan switch, as Rockland firefighters assessed the facility and equipment on the roof at approximately 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

After taking the thermal imaging camera through the jail and inspecting the air handling equipment on the roof, firefighters concluded that a short circuiting electrical switch, or associated wiring to a fan in the sallyport, was the source of the smoke. The jail, a cement and brick structure, was built in 1991 and has fire sprinklers throughout.

Rockland Assistant Fire Chief Adam Miceli reported that no prisoners or staff had to be moved anywhere in the facility. Miceli said normal procedure in the event of a fire at the jail entails moving people to pods, and if need be, exiting them to a courtyard.

BC Electric of Owls Head was at the jail after the fire call to conduct a thorough assessment of the electrical system, according to Fire Chief Charles Jordan.

Editorial Director Lynda Clancy can be reached by email at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com or by calling 207-706-6657.