Fire Department

While the exact cause of this fire is undetermined, investigators suspect an electrical problem may have been a factor. Property damage is estimated around $75,000.

--PIO Cynthia Schuster

The Madison Fire Department is investigating a basement fire that displaced a westside household Monday morning.

An occupant called 911 just after 8:30 a.m. reporting smoke in the home, and all were able to evacuate immediately without injury. Crews from Fire Station 7 arrived to the duplex to find smoke showing from the eaves. Engine Co. 9 and Engine Co. 4 searched both sides of the duplex and confirmed all occupants were out. Meanwhile, Engine Co. 7 stretched a 300-foot preconnect line into the basement. The seat of the fire was extinguished quickly, but fire did extend into the walls and void spaces above the basement. The extensive damage left behind forced the displacement of all four occupants and their pets. The occupants of the neighboring duplex were able to return home.

The American Red Cross provided assistance to those who were displaced. The MFD Fire Investigation Team is looking into what caused the fire.