Fire Department

The Madison Fire Department and its partnering agencies, which include the Madison Police Department, State Fire Marshal's Office, our local ATF agent, MGE, and the Wisconsin State Patrol, continue to search and investigate the scene of a house explosion that took place on Stratton Way the afternoon of Wednesday, September 13. 

An incident of this scale requires a multitude of resources that draw upon several areas of expertise. The objective is to determine what events led up to the incident and ultimately what caused the explosion. These investigations require a high level of care, diligence, systematic processing, accuracy, and of course, time.

The National Institute of Justice provides a comprehensive Guide for Investigating Bomb and Explosion Scenes. Although we have not yet determined whether bombs or other explosives were a factor in the incident on Stratton Way, the guide referenced here paints a picture of the investigative methodologies followed by the agencies involved in this case. The ATF website and the International Association of Arson Investigators website may also provide helpful resources for those who wish to learn more about fire investigations.

As this investigation moves into its fourth day, the Madison Fire Department once again wishes to thank the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the City of Madison Engineering Division, the City of Madison Streets Division, and City of Madison Parks Division for their continued assistance and support.