Corrections Deputies and staff at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center smelled smoke in a non-essential area of the LEC early on Friday evening. Out of an abundance of caution, the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department and Franklin Fire Department were called to inspect any possible problems.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that an air conditioning unit for that section of the building had a malfunction. Power to the unit was cut off and no evacuation was warranted because it was not a housing unit for inmates.
No inmates or staff were in danger at any time.