Fire Department

A lightning strike is to blame for a fire that occurred on the rooftop of a building under construction.

The Madison Fire Department was dispatched to the area of S. Fair Oaks Avenue and Gateway Place. Neighbors reported smoke showing from the roof shortly after a flash of lightning in the area. During their initial scene size-up, Engine Co. 3 and Medic 3 confirmed there was a small fire in an upper corner of the building near the roof.

Construction workers were still on site, including one who was on the roof attempting to put out the fire with an extinguisher. Firefighters entered the building to evacuate the workers as Ladder Co. 8 extended its aerial platform toward the roof. Crews successfully extinguished the rest of the fire.

Overhaul revealed that some of the building’s structural components and foam insulation suffered damage. Firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots until thermal imaging cameras confirmed all materials returned to normal temperatures.

No injuries were reported.