Fire Department

A wash machine malfunction led to a water leak an at east-side apartment complex, causing water to drain through a light fixture in the unit below.

Engine Company 13 arrived to the 700 block of N. Thompson Drive just after 7 p.m. after the neighbor reported water coming through her ceiling. Already aware of the neighbor’s wash machine woes, she advised firefighters to check the unit upstairs.

Engine 13 proceeded upstairs, where they shut off the water supply to the wash machine. No electrical or fire hazards were found in that apartment.

After going back downstairs, they found water coming through a globe of a light fixture and emitting a steady stream of water. Firefighters located the electrical panel for that unit and turned off the breakers to prevent any electrical hazards.

Additional water was found in the basement ceiling, ultimately falling onto the concrete parking deck and running to a floor drain. Building management was contacted, and they responded to isolate the water leak and take over repairs.