Fire Department

City of Madison firefighters responded to a warehouse fire on the City's east side shortly before midnight. A neighbor called 911 at 11:36 with a report of smoke and flames in the building at 4413 Robertson.

Engine Company 5 was the first-in crew. The company officer reported flames through the roof upon their arrival.

The building is a long metal structure that houses three separate businesses, including the Dog Haus, which boards dogs overnight.

The Squad 4 crew forced entry to that business at 4415 Robertson and evacuated eight dogs. They were in good condition at the scene.

The fire is believed to have started at Madison Pallet Recycling in a warehouse where hundreds of wooden pallets were stored. The pallets were stacked up to 30 feet high in some places. Firefighters reported flames to the ceiling of the warehouse. Heat from the fire bulged out the metal wall and warped iron beams.

No one was injured in the fire, but smoke damage extended the length of the building, including a non-profit at the other end where donated medical supplies were kept.

Early damage estimates are set at between $275,000 and $300,000. The cause is under investigation.