Fire Department

Firefighters responded to large outside fire that was ultimately determined to be “both a hazard and a nuisance” in violation of several outdoor burning ordinances.

There was a notable glow from a backyard as Engine Co. 4 arrived to Lathrop Street. The crew honed in on a large three-unit house, where they found a large bonfire approximately 10 feet in diameter with flames approximately 6 feet high. Three individuals were present in the backyard. Firefighters asked them to retrieve a nearby garden hose and put out the fire. Engine 4 identified several items that were burning at the center of the bonfire, including a small fire pit and an 8-foot log far too large to fit in the 36-inch bowl of the fire pit. An unidentifiable melted plastic object was also found near the fire.

The trio was presented with a copy of the City of Madison Outdoor and Open Burning ordinance, and firefighters reviewed with them the lengthy list of violations they observed. The individuals were not cited for the violations but citations may occur if there are repeated offenses.