The basement of Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 111 E. 11th St., has sustained damage due to a small fire that occurred about 10:49 p.m. Jan. 23 in the jury deliberation room in the Division 7 courtroom of District Court. The room had experienced water damage from a sprinkler head that was damaged during recent freezing temperatures. The fire was determined by Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical to be accidental due to an electrical/mechanical malfunction of a fan that had been left running in the room to assist with the drying process. There were no injuries.

The JLEC houses District Court, Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Emergency Communications, Emergency Management, IT and Maintenance. The fire has impacted those who work in the basement, which includes District Court Division 7, Pro Tem courtroom, Court Clerk, Court Trustee, IT and District Attorney’s Office staff. All county services are open and available.

The District Court Clerk’s Office and Court Trustee’s Office are providing services today, Jan. 24, in the historic Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., which is just to the west of the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center (JLEC). They are located on the second floor in the Commission meeting room. Signs have been posted at the entry of both buildings.

Douglas County Maintenance staff worked overnight to begin drying out and ventilating the building. The mitigation contractor is on site and performing services. It is unknown at this time when affected staff will be able to return to the basement of the JLEC.

For updates, please check our website: https://dgcoks.gov.