Fire Department

An electrical outlet that sparked inside a near-west side residence Wednesday night prompted a full structure fire response from the Madison Fire Department.

Engine Company 4 was first to arrive to the apartment on N. Allen Street. While there was no active fire when firefighters arrive, the outlet suffered significant damage, and a thermal imaging camera showed the area surrounding the outlet clocking in at 95 degrees. Engine 4 determined the issue was isolated to this one outlet, and that the other responding companies could return to service while they remained on scene.

Firefighters examined the circuit breakers and took steps to prevent any further electrical issues pertaining to this outlet. The occupant was advised to contact the building owner so an electrician could respond to fully assess the system.

Engine 4 noted that this outlet had been connected to two power strips—one strip plugged into another, which was plugged into the wall. Firefighters stressed that a setup like this can overload an outlet and increases the likelihood of a serious malfunction or fire caused by overheating.

Also noting a small heater nearby (but not in use), firefighters also warned that any type of heating device should be plugged directly into the wall outlet, never used in conjunction with a power strip.