"There is no truth to that, this is a Corrections lead incident and police are there in support," a spokesman said.
One source told Newshub the prisoners are vowing to continue the standoff until conditions improve and they are heard. The source said they have made a marquee out of towels and that it is not a riot but a protest.Â
The top of the prison is seen still smouldering on Thursday.
Photo credit: Karen Rutherford / Newshub.
Prisoners allege they wait months for medical treatment inside the facility and have described using the same towel and dirty clothes for weeks, the source said.