BROWNSVILLE - Officials say a fire that broke out at the Cameron County jail Thursday was not an accident and four men are facing charges.

Upon hearing that there was a fire at one of the cells, Carrizales Rucker detention officers prepared their equipment and ran to put it out.

Captain Javier Reyna says five inmates started a fire using a ceiling light.

An officer in charge of overseeing the pod where the fire started sounded the alarm.

Detention officers loaded up with equipment rushed in expecting only to fight the flames.

“When the officers went in there with their air masks and equipment, they were met with resistance with kicks and punches,” says Reyna.

Officers received minor injuries like bruises but were back on the job Friday.

This will serve as a lesson for future fires.

The inmates were taken into overnight observation for smoke inhalation.

Friday morning, they were led to a judge for arraignment on charges of arson and engaging in organized criminal activity.

Saturday, Reyna says they'll be facing another charge for assaulting the detention officers.

Reyna explained the windowless facility was cleared of the smoke using a vacuum like hose that drags the air into an open-area.