Eight people injured in Hamilton jail fire

The Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre is seen in an image from Google Street View.

Several people were taken to hospital early Friday evening after a fire erupted inside the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre.

At least eight people, including both inmates and corrections officials, were treated for smoke inhalation.

Most of the injured were reported to be in serious condition, however, one person may have suffered life threatening injuries.

The Hamilton Fire Department tweeted that the flames were quickly extinguished and the building was being cleared of smoke.

The fire forced part of the facility to be temporarily evacuated.

The fire's cause was under investigation and the full extent of the damage was being assessed.