Outdoor Fire at Packers Ave. & International Ln.
Madison, WI
Engine 8 was dispatched for a outside fire on Packers Avenue at International Lane. Engine 10 was clearing from an EMS call and was closer, so the Communications Center attached them to the call as well. On arrival there was an approximate area of 5' by 20' of grass, mulch, and flowering plants that were on fire.
Because of heavy traffic, Engine 10 took control of two of the three lanes in order to create a safe working area, and then managed to extinguish the fire within minutes using foam. The crew then used hand tools to turn over the fresh mulch and apply additional water and foam.
The crews were unable to determine a reason that the fire started, as there were no cigarette butts or other means present to indicate how it started; nor were there any witnesses or bystanders to interview.