Fire Department

The cause of this fire remains undetermined but it is believed to be unintentional. Although the cause appeared to be a result of the improper use of incense, improperly-discarded smoking materials could not be ruled out as a cause.

On the morning of November 22, Ladder Company 7 entered the duplex and discovered a couch on fire in the basement. The fire was extinguished with a hand line, and overhaul and ventilation ensued. Smoke damage extended from the basement to the stairwell and first floor. Fire damage extended from the couch to the exposed plumbing infrastructure, some electric wiring, and a light fixture in the basement.

Damage is estimated at $15,000.

One family is displaced following a basement fire at a west-side duplex.

The Madison Fire Department was dispatched to the 2000 block of Frisch Road at 11:13 a.m. Wednesday. Smoke was visible from outside of the two-family structure as Medic 7 arrived on scene. Medic 7 and Ladder 7 quickly located the source of the fire upon entering the home and had the fire knocked down within five minutes.

All occupants were able to safely evacuate the home uninjured. Two cats found creative hiding places and remained unharmed.

Although damage was confined mainly to the basement, all five occupants are temporarily displaced. The American Red Cross provided assistance to the family.

Firefighters cleared a small amount of smoke from the adjacent unit, which was otherwise unaffected by the fire next door.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.