The fire started around 2:30 a.m. at the historic prison near downtown Huntsville on 12th Street in Walker County. The 174-year-old facility houses about 1,600 inmates.

The 174-year-old Huntsville Unit was built in 1849 and is nicknamed the Walls Unit because of its red brick walls. It currently houses about 1,600 prisoners with space for about 1,700.

The 174-year-old Huntsville Unit was built in 1849 and is nicknamed the Walls Unit because of its red brick walls. It currently houses about 1,600 prisoners with space for about 1,700.

The 174-year-old Huntsville Unit was built in 1849 and is nicknamed the Walls Unit because of its red brick walls. It currently houses about 1,600 prisoners with space for about 1,700.

A fire erupted early Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at the 174-year-old state prison in Huntsville, Texas. "We do currently have the main body of fire knocked down," he said.

More than 600 inmates had to be evacuated after a fire erupted at the Huntsville Unit early Friday, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Skip Navigation Share on Facebook ...