Investigators Looking Into Cause Of East Side Apartment Fire
Madison, WI
The Madison Fire Department responded to a six-unit residential building on the 1300 block of Rutledge Street following reports of smoke coming from one of the apartment units inside. Medic 3 and Engine Co. 3 arrived on scene to find smoke showing from the rear of the building and smoke pushing out from the top of the apartment unit door. Engine 3 forced entry into the unit and located the fire as other crews performed search and rescue throughout the building. All occupants were able to safely evacuate.
The tenants of the unit where the fire occurred were not home at the time, but two cats were found deceased. A gecko was also found alive and taken outside. Heat packs and a blanket were provided to warm the gecko, which was struggling in the colder outdoor temperatures. The American Red Cross is assisting two occupants who have been displaced.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.