Fire Department

MFD Ventilated Building, MG&E in Charge of Scene

Around 9:20am this morning, City of Madison Firefighters has completed ventilating the building on the 1700 block of Eagan Road.

MG&E is still on site and in charge of the scene.

Firefighters and MG&E Work on Ventilating Vacant Building

This morning, Sunday, February 20th, City of Madison Firefighters are working with MG&E on making entry and ventilating the vacant building on the 1700 block of Egan Road.

MG&E has the ability to take gas readings from a distance using a laser. Right now the readings are below explosive levels, so firefighters are gearing up so they can open doors throughout the building to start natural ventilation. Fire crews will work with MG&E as they will take several readings throughout the process to be sure the levels are below the explosive limits.

It is unknown how long the process will take, but we ask that everyone still avoid the area.

The original call came in on Saturday, February 19th, when a homeless man knocked on Fire Station #8's door, shortly after 3:00 pm to tell the firefighters that he could smell gas. The situation could have been worse, if it were not for the gentleman on alerting the crew.

As of 3:17 am, Firefighters are still monitoring the site of the gas leak on the 1700 block of Eagan Road. The crew is still waiting for the building to self ventilate.

No actions will be taken by MG&E until 7:00 am. 

The original call came shortly after 3:00 pm on Saturday.