Fire damaged an east side apartment this morning leaving one family without a home. The fire at 222 Swanton Road was reported to firefighters at 3:29 AM. Ladder 8 and Engine 5 arrived first on the scene and reported fire on the second floor of the building.

Firefighters made a quick interior attack and had the fire under control within 10 minutes. A search of the apartment was conducted to confirm that everyone had safely evacuated the building.

Fire and smoke damage was limited to one apartment and its contents. Damage is estimated at $225,000. No injuries were reported at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The American Red Cross Badger Chapter is assisting the displaced residents with any temporary housing and personal needs they may have. Madison Gas and Electric is working with building management to restore natural gas service for the residents of the undamaged apartments.

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.
• Please visit www.madisonfire.org for more safety information.