Fire Department

A local self-storage facility was placed under fire watch over the weekend after firefighters were called to extinguish a blaze comprised mainly of discarded possessions.

Engine Company 14 was dispatched to the 3300 block of Femrite Drive, where they found a large pile of materials burning in the rear lot. There was one person standing by with a fire extinguisher, but it wasn’t enough to combat the flames measuring 15-20 feet high on a footprint estimated to be around 50 feet by 100 feet. Items in the pile included furniture, clothing, trash, mattresses, and other miscellaneous items.

Although the fire was moderately contained, there were several exposure concerns nearby, including a vast area of tall, dry grasses and several motorized vehicles such as snowmobiles and ATVs.

Engine 14 applied water and foam to the fire, using approximately 2500 gallons of water with the help of a tender from the Cottage Grove Fire Department.

Firefighters were told the fire was lit intentionally as a means of disposing the property. The property owner was advised he’ll need to watch the materials continuously to ensure there’s no rekindling, and to call 911 if a fire ignites again. Dane County Sheriff's deputies remained on scene and may follow up with citations pertaining to the illegal burn.