An inmate at the Pettis County Jail is facing an arson charge after starting a fire inside his jail cell on November 16th.

According to the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies provided assistance at the jail after Clinton Davis, of Sedalia, started a fire inside his jail cell. Deputies could see active flames and a large amount of smoke coming from the cell upon arrival. Davis exited the cell after jail staff unlocked the door, who then advanced on the deputies in an aggressive manner. Authorities were able to subdue Davis and extinguish the fire.

After the Sedalia Fire Department cleared the scene, Deputies searched the cell and located multiple broken electronic cigarettes with exposed batteries and wires. Davis reportedly used the devices to start the fire with tissue paper, then setting fire to blankets and linens inside the cell. As a result of the incident, a deputy assigned to the jail was transported to the hospital due to complications from smoke inhalation. 18 other inmates were also exposed to heavy smoke.

Davis is facing a felony charge for arson in the first degree. No court appearances have been set at this time.