Fire Department

Firefighters were dispatched to an outside fire on the 100 block of Lathrop Street. Upon arrival, firefighters could tell there was a large fire in a backyard there, but visibility was poor due to a vine-covered fence surrounding the area.

Firefighters were initially told by the people attending the fire that they were burning a large piece of wood. As the crew gained a better vantage point, they asked a couple more times what was happening. That’s when the men admitted they were burning a box spring mattress.

Engine Company 4 hoisted a hose line over the fence and extinguished the fire, wetting down the surrounding areas to prevent fire spread.

The three people present were advised that burning box springs is a violation of the Madison burning ordinance. They were warned that if firefighters had to return, they would receive a citation. They agreed not to light the fire back up.