A fire in the inclusion sector of the José Luiz Mansur Penitentiary in Marília, inland São Paulo, killed seven inmates on the afternoon of November 25, 2025. Twenty-one people, including staff, were treated for smoke inhalation. The Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (SAP) attributes the fire to an inmate setting his belongings ablaze, while the Military Police points to a fight between inmates.
The fire broke out around 5:20 p.m. in the José Luiz Mansur Penitentiary in Marília, inland São Paulo. According to the SAP, an inmate started the blaze by setting fire to his belongings in the inclusion sector, an area for new arrivals. Prison police initially fought the flames until the Fire Department and Samu arrived to assist the victims.
Five inmates died at the scene and two in the hospital, all from inhaling toxic gases. Of the 21 treated for smoke inhalation, three are intubated at Santa Casa and two in the ICU at Marília's Hospital das Clínicas; the rest are stable. At least seven of the injured are prison staff. Victims were taken to Hospital das Clínicas, Santa Casa, Emergency Care Unit (UPA), and Advanced Support Unit (USA).
The SAP issued a statement regretting the incident: "The SAP deeply regrets the fire that occurred. In total, seven inmates died as a result of inhaling toxic gases produced by the intentional fire. The SAP has initiated a procedure to investigate the case and is in contact with the victims' families to provide all necessary clarifications."
However, the Military Police reported that the fire was caused by a fight between inmates, with teams from the Special Police Actions Battalion (Baep), Tactical Force, Fire Department, and Samu mobilized. The SAP denied any rebellion at the facility.
Mayor Vinicius Camarinha (PSDB) stated that the situation was under control by 9:35 p.m. and that the municipality assisted with care: "It was up to the municipality to help with victim care, and we managed to attend to everyone. There were 21 treatments. Now everything is under control."
Founded in 1989, the penitentiary has a capacity for 622 inmates but holds 1,080 in a 13,800 m² area. The SAP has launched an internal investigation.