City of Madison Firefighters used a ladder to rescue three people from an apartment fire on Madison's east side early this morning. These residents did not require medical attention. However, three other residents were treated by paramedics and transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. Many residents reported that the smoke was so thick they were forced to crawl out of the building to safety.

Fire crews were sent to the 24 unit apartment building at 4725 Cottage Grove Road at 3:38 a.m. Fire alarms were sounding in the building when Engine 5 arrived two minutes later. The crew pulled a hoseline into the front door and encountered heavy black smoke that filled the hallway from ceiling to floor.

Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to locate a fire on the first floor and quickly extinguished the flames. Other crews searched the building for any occupants and checked the rooms around the fire for extension of flames into the walls and ceilings. Fans were used to ventilate smoke from the apartments and the hallway.

The Red Cross Badger Chapter is assisting about 50 residents with immediate needs including food, clothing, and temporary housing. A Madison Metro Transit bus responded to the scene to provide shelter for the displaced residents.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Most of the fire damage occurred in one room on the first floor and smoke damage was noted throughout both floors of the building. Damages could exceed $100,000.

Make your home safe by taking these simple steps:
• Have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside the bedroom door, and on each level of the home.
• Test your smoke alarms each month.
• Make a home escape plan and practice it by having a home fire drill with everyone in your home.
• IF THE ALARM SOUNDS...
o If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for any reason.
o If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
o Call the fire department from outside your home.