Fire Department

A fire that ignited just outside a north side residence was caught early thanks to a 911 call by a vigilant neighbor.

The Madison Fire Department responded to Thackeray Road after witnesses reported smoke and embers on a wooden deck.

Firefighters circled the property and located the deck, where they found a small fire on a bench. A Madison Police officer attempted to locate any occupants inside while Engine Company 8 put out the small fire with a water can extinguisher.

A grill was sitting on the wooden bench, and it appeared to have been used earlier that evening. A couple of slats on the bench were charred as a result of the fire.

The crew made contact with the occupants, who were asleep inside and surprised to be seeing firefighters and police at their door. Firefighters pointed out the small amount of damage that resulted from the fire and spoke about safe grilling practices. They were reminded to keep the grill away from wooden decks and furniture, and to stay near the grill until it’s cooled down completely.