Fire Department

A vigilant Madison resident called the Madison Fire Department upon smelling smoke in her residence. She didn’t know the source or cause of the odor, and firefighters didn’t spot any smoke upon arriving to the scene. Crews began making their way through the home to investigate and ultimately zeroed in on the second-floor kitchen microwave.
 
Although the appliance hadn’t been used that evening, firefighters caught a light wisp of smoke coming from the area. After removing items surrounding the microwave, they discovered that a stack of napkins were scorched by a halogen lamp mounted underneath the cupboard above the microwave. No flames or cinders were found.
 
The napkins were placed in the sink to soak, all lights were turned off, and the lamp, which had melted from the heat, was disconnected. After determining that the scene was safe and clear of any risk of fire, Engine 3’s crew left the scene and the occupant was able to return to her home.

Because the resident didn't hesitate to call for help upon smelling smoke in her home, there was minimal damage and property loss, and a full structure fire was successfully prevented.