Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader says that inmates returned to the Chattooga County Jail over the past weekend after being housed in Dade County for several days after a furnace malfunction.

Monday, January 23rd a gas leak caused by the faulty furnace prompted the sheriff to evacuate the jail and send the inmates to Dade County.

Sheriff Schrader said that the furnace was installed in the jail in the early ‘80’s when the jail was originally built.  After having HVAC professionals look over the unit, the sheriff decided to replace both furnaces at the jail that were used to heat cell blocks.

Sheriff Schrader expressed his appreciation to the Dade County Sheriff’s office for their assistance while the furnaces were being replaced at the Chattooga County Jail.

(WZQZ Chattooga County Radio)