Fire Department

A fire at the Hanover Square Apartments heavily damaged four apartments and displaced eleven people Sunday afternoon. Firefighters were called to the sixteen-unit building at 2418 Old Camden Square at 4:20 PM. When Engine 11 arrived on scene they found flames burning through the roof.

Firefighters made an aggressive attack and stopped the fire from spreading into twelve other apartments. No injuries were reported and several cats and birds survived the smoke and heat.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Madison Police detectives are assisting fire department investigators with the fire investigation. Members of the Madison Fire Department/Police Department joint fire investigation unit routinely work together on large fire scenes to interview witnesses and determine the fire cause.

Damage estimates are still being tabulated, but the fire caused heavy damage to four apartments and the contents of those units.

The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents with temporary housing and personal needs. Madison Gas and Electric worked with building management to restore natural gas and electric service for residents of the undamaged apartments.

Plumbers worked late into the night to restore the fire sprinkler system to protect the twelve apartments that were not involved in the fire.

Firefighters remind everyone of these safety tips:
• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each sleeping area. Interconnected smoke alarms will make sure the alarm is heard throughout the home.
• Test your smoke alarms every month.
• Have a home escape plan and practice it twice a year.
• When the alarm sounds, get out and stay out.
• After you have escaped, call 9-1-1 from a safe place.
• Never go back inside the building for any reason.