Fire Department

After extensive investigation into this incident, Madison Fire Department investigators believe the fire at Glass Nickel Pizza originated in the immediate area of the washer/dryer combination unit. While the fire was determined to be accidental in nature, the specific cause remains undetermined. Further assessments of the damages place dollar loss at over $228,000.

Cynthia Schuster, Public Information Officer

An overnight fire caused major damage at the Glass Nickel Pizza restaurant on the 5000 block of University Ave.
 
An automatic burglar alarm is what originally tipped officials off to the problem. Madison Police arrived at 3:45 a.m. and noticed smoke inside the building.
 
The Madison Fire Department arrived within minutes to find smoke filling all windows of the restaurant.
 
Engine Company 9 forced entry to the building and Ladder Company 2 joined them in a comprehensive search for the fire. Ladder 1 began ventilation from the roof.
 
Ladder 2 ultimately located the significant fire and directed Engine 9 toward it for knock down. The fire was effectively put out at 4:08 a.m.
 
Fire damage is contained to the Glass Nickel store; no other units inside the commercial strip mall were damaged by fire.
 
MGE and Madison Water Utility were called to the scene, and the Public Health Department has been notified.
 
Initial estimates assess damages at a minimum of $100,000. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.