According to New Jersey Corrections officials, an overwhelming number of inmates at one South Woods State Prison housing unit have started a hunger strike.

Inmates are citing that the hunger strike is a protest against a lack of hot water and a newly implemented “restricted movement” rule during their recreation time. Officers have noted that this hunger strike could be just a prologue to much more serious actions.

On Tuesday morning, about 110 inmates refused to eat breakfast, according to one officer. Eight more inmates joined the hunger strike by Wednesday. Although hot water has since been restored, the N.J. Department of Corrections said in a statement. The Department added that the reason restrictions had been implemented during recreation time was due to gang activity.

An anonymous official added that there are also concerns about the hunger strike escalating into a labor strike are circulating among inmates, as well as the looming threat of a “full-out” riot. Corrections officers noted that the prison administration had received a ‘snitch note' that said there would be ‘blood spilled' within the prison walls.

The Department of Corrections also added that the problems with hot water have been ongoing, resulting in a ‘catastrophic failure' of the water heating system on August 26th. The department estimates that it could cost up to $7 million to restore the system.