Incident Type: 
Trash/Rubbish
Dispatch: 
Friday, February 21, 2020 - 6:44am
Arrival: 
Friday, February 21, 2020 - 6:49am
Address: 
4400 Sycamore Avenue
Madison, WI
Narrative: 

The Madison Fire Department responded to a metal recycling facility on Sycamore Avenue, where a fire broke out in a metal shredder. The large shredder is used to shred vehicles and other items.

An explosion reportedly occurred inside the shredder, leading to a fire that involved the items still inside. Employees called 911 when attempts to put out the fire with a handheld fire extinguisher were not successful.

Upon arrival, firefighters were met by staff and directed to the shredder. With conveyor belts no longer working, the burning products were trapped inside the shredder.

Firefighters were able to access and supply water to the proper part of the shredder using Ladder 8’s aerial platform. Once conveyor operations were restored, firefighters went through the debris to make sure all fire was completely out.

Pictured: Ladder 8's aerial platform as seen on MATC's training grounds

Posted 02/21/2020 - 4:03pm
Contacts: 

Cynthia Schuster (Public Information Officer)