Fire Department

A porch fire was discovered by a passerby Tuesday, which investigators later determined was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.

The passerby noticed smoke along the eaves while driving down Nancy Lane. A phone call to 911 prompted response from Engine Co. 10 and other Madison Fire Department companies. The passerby pulled over and knocked on the door to alert the homeowner, but nobody was home.

Upon arrival, Engine 10 pulled a hose line to the front door and quickly put a stop to the fire. Firefighters peered into a window and surveyed the area with a thermal imaging camera to confirm the fire did not extend into the home. Contact was made with the homeowner, who returned home shortly after the fire was discovered and extinguished.

Fire damage was limited to the wood decking and home siding and is estimated at around $500. Investigators determined the fire was the result of a cigarette being discarded in planter pot.

Safety Tips: Small actions can make a big difference in preventing smoking-related fires. Firefighters remind all residents to take these steps when discarding cigarettes and other smoking materials:

• Discard your cigarettes in a container that won’t catch on fire. Use an approved ashtray, metal coffee canister, or a bucket with sand.
• Put your cigarette out all the way. Put water on the ashes and butts to make sure they are totally extinguished before placing them in the trash.
• Empty your ashtray often so cigarette butts don’t pile up. Even if you throw your cigarettes in a proper receptacle, the butts can still catch on fire, especially if the receptacle is full.