Campfire Inside Canoe Prompts Response From Lake Rescue Team
Madison, WI 53703
The Madison Fire Department’s Lake Rescue Team was dispatched to Lake Monona following reports that a watercraft may be on fire.
Engine Company 3 staged near Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, and firefighters approached the shoreline on foot. Using binoculars, they were able to identify which watercraft had a fire on board—an aluminum canoe being towed by at least one kayak. There were no people inside the canoe, and the fire appeared to be intentional. Nobody on the water signaled that they were in distress.
The Lake Rescue Team approached the paddlers, noting a small campfire smoldering in a Weber-style fire pit inside the aluminum canoe. Kayakers told rescuers they were among a group celebrating a lighted paddle cruise.
Lake Rescue 1 informed paddlers that their fire was in violation of the City of Madison’s outdoor burning ordinance. The team helped put out the fire with lake water before returning to shore.