Fire Department

According to fire investigators, this fire was the result of a failure in a dehumidifier that was running in the basement. The appliance caught fire, and the fire spread to nearby combustible materials. Damages are estimated at $50,000. --PIO Cynthia Schuster

The Madison Fire Department were dispatched to a duplex on the 7800 block of Courtyard Drive just after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. The owner of the duplex approached Engine Company 12 upon their arrival and reported there was a fire in the basement.

Upon entering the front door of the duplex, firefighters were met with thick black smoke banked almost all the way down to the floor. Firefighters stretched a hose line, entered the home, and descended to the basement for fire attack, ultimately achieving initial knockdown at 4:21 p.m. Crews then worked to overhaul the area and ensure the fire was completely out.

Engine 12 and Ladder 2 remained on scene to oversee ventilation operations, which were complicated by the lack of windows in the basement.

Fire investigators are looking into the cause of the fire, and damage estimates are not yet available.

The occupant, who was home at the time of the fire, was evaluated by paramedics on scene but did not seek further medical attention. The occupant has been temporarily displaced due to smoke and fire damage to the residence.