Corrections officers in Shirley used a chemical agent to quell a disturbance inside a maximum-security prison in which inmates used makeshift weapons to destroy property, including security cameras and computers, authorities said Monday.

In a statement, the Department of Correction said the trouble at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center began Monday afternoon when a fight broke out between two inmates who were “high-ranking members of a security threat group.’’

After the fight, corrections officers began leading about four dozen inmates back to their cells when a second altercation ensued between two other prisoners, authorities said.

“One of the inmates was able to be restrained and escorted from the unit and the remaining inmates were actively resisting being secured in their cells,’’ the statement said. “The decision was made to pull the staff from the housing unit for their safety.’’

With the staff gone, the inmates began wrecking their section of the prison, authorities said.

“Sprinkler heads were broken off, camera systems were destroyed, the computer system in the unit was destroyed, along with extensive damage to much of the remaining parts of the unit,’’ the statement said. “Inmates utilized fire extinguishers and other makeshift weapons in order to destroy furnishings, windows, etc.’’

Shortly before 4 p.m., the prison superintendent declared a disorder in the housing unit, and about three hours later, a special operations team “deployed a chemical agent’’ to regain control of the area, authorities said.

“There are no serious injuries to report to staff or inmates,’’ the statement said.

Officials said the inmates involved in the disturbance will be placed in various segregation units throughout the prison system during an investigation. Inmates will face disciplinary sanctions and possible criminal charges, officials said.

The prison will remain on lockdown during the investigation, the statement said.

Earlier Monday, State Police said they had sent “numerous units’’ to a site outside the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center, and that the troopers were “prepared to assist if needed.’’

Among the prisoners currently incarcerated at Souza-Baranowski is former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, who is serving a life sentence for murder.

It was not clear whether Hernandez was involved in the disturbance.

“Due to [state] CORI regulations, we cannot discuss whether any specific inmates were involved in the incident,’’ the DOC said.