Fire Department

The Madison Fire Department responded to the 4800 block of E. Buckeye Road for reports of a chimney fire. One occupant was home at the time and evacuated safely along with the family puppy.

Firefighters noted smoke from the side of the house as Engine Co. 5 and other east side crews arrived on scene. Engine 5 pulled a line and entered the home through the garage. Bubbling paint and heat signatures detected by a thermal imaging camera indicated fire behind the wall above a fireplace. As Engine Co. 5 accessed the fire from the interior of the home, Engine Co. 14 pulled siding from the exterior. Initial knockdown was achieved at 3:43 p.m. There were no injuries reported. A total of seven occupants are temporarily displaced but are expected to be able to return home tomorrow.

Masonry work was being done on the chimney in the hours prior to the fire. A propane torch had been used to heat the brick and mortar to prevent it from freezing while under construction. Investigators determined this was the cause of the fire, and the fire was ruled accidental. Damages are estimated at a minimum of $20,000.