Officers responded at about 2.15pm when a 36-year-old inmate set fire to rubbish in a bin. The fire was extinguished shortly after.

The inmate has been taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. There were no staff injuries.

Acting Governor Brett Lees praised the efforts of staff who responded immediately to safely remove the inmate from his cell.

"Our correctional officers put their own safety on the line to rush to the inmate's aid and extinguish the fire within minutes," Mr Lees said.

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"Without their quick response, the inmate might have suffered serious injuries. I applaud the staff involved for their professional response to this incident."

His comments follow on from similar sentiments earlier this week, when Governor Lees praised the dedication of staff, saying they had gone above and beyond since the COVID-19 pandemic extended into NSW jails.

Just days before, Governor Lees said in an interview with the Western Advocate: "My staff, they do the job of corrective officers, they also do the job of paramedics, of firefighters ... they are incredible."

Investigations into Thursday's fire continue.

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