Two inmates and seven staff members had to be treated after a fire broke out at the Cochise County Jail Detention facility on Friday, October 17, just weeks before voters will decide on a ½ cents sales tax increase to fund a new jail in Bisbee.

According to information released by Cochise County, on Friday October 17, 2025, at approximately 9:19 a.m., the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility reported a fire that originated from a malfunctioning door motor within one of the loading areas of the facility. The fire was put out by detention staff, but Bisbee Fire was called and cleared the scene.

The county reported three people suffered injuries or smoke inhalation, two inmates, and one Detention Officer. A short time after the fire another six detention officers reported they were suffering from the effects of the toxic smoke. All nine people were treated.