Parts of the National Security Service facility, known as the Blue House, following Wednesday's fire blaze. Photo: Courtesy

The National Security Service (NSS) has dismissed reports alleging that a detention facility was affected by the fire that broke out at its Internal Security Bureau headquarters, popularly known as the Blue House, early Wednesday.

Speaking to journalists at the scene, the spokesperson of the National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau, David John Kumuri, said the fire was confined to part of the administration block and did not reach the detention facility.

“I told you that it’s only part of the building, that’s the Blue House, that got burned. The inmates are safe. As you’re talking, you’re talking in the office of the Director General. You can see the building. You have witnessed it yourselves,” he told journalists

“So, these are false allegations. Maybe there are those who wanted to create confusion among the public, but I want to assure you that the inmates are safe. Otherwise, if there was time, I would have allowed you to access the facility,” Kumuri added.

Kumuri said journalists were standing inside the Director General’s office during the briefing, demonstrating that the building remained accessible despite the fire.

His remarks follow speculation on social media claiming that the blaze had spread to the detention section of the Internal Security Bureau.

In a separate development, defense lawyer Deng John told Eye Radio that all seven accused persons held in National Security custody are safe following Wednesday night’s fire at the detention facility. He said the defense team had communicated with them and confirmed they were in good health.

Earlier, the National Security Service said preliminary investigations indicate the fire was likely caused by an electrical fault.

It added that no casualties were reported and that investigations are continuing to determine the exact cause of the incident and assess the extent of the damage.