Fire Department

This fire has been ruled accidental and the result of an unknown electrical fault in the basement. Damage estimates currently rest at approximately $73,000.

Working smoke alarms and an evacuation plan discussed ahead of time were instrumental in saving this family from the fire. Make sure you have both ready to go in your household! Get tips on where to place your smoke alarms, and create your home escape plan.

--PIO Cynthia Schuster

A family of five escaped injury from an early-morning fire in their basement.

The Madison Fire Department was called to the 2600 block of Frazier Avenue on Madison’s south side at 4:47 this morning. One resident awoke to the sound of their smoke alarm and immediately woke up her husband and their three young children. The family gathered the dog and called 911 as they escaped the home through a second-story window on to the roof of their garage.

The father lowered himself down from the roof, leveraging himself against a nearby tree, onto the garbage and recycling bins below. Standing atop the bins, his wife helped the children and dog into his arms one by one, and he assisted each of them down to the driveway. The woman was also able to safely descend from the roof, where they all awaited the arrival of Ladder Company 6 and Medic 6.

The family was escorted into the ambulance to stay warm as firefighters entered the home, which was fully charged with smoke, and began a fire attack in the basement and first floor. Ladder Company 6 discovered a broken water line in the basement, which held the fire in check. Firefighters achieved initial knock-down of the fire with the use of a pressurized water can. Engine Company 14 then supplied an attack line to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. Overhaul, ventilation, and salvage continued for an extended period as firefighters continued to cool hot spots and clear the house of smoke.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not yet available. The family is currently displaced from their home.