Fire Department

Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire discovered Thursday afternoon at St. Dennis School on Dempsey Road.

The Dane County 911 Public Safety Communications Center received a call from a fire alarm company indicating an alarm at 413 Dempsey Road. Engine Co. 5 was dispatched to investigate, and school evacuation was in progress when firefighters arrived at 2:37 p.m. Firefighters found smoke on the basement level, prompting a full structure fire response from the Madison Fire Department.

Crews located fire inside a room in the basement. The room contained a number of storage items, which posed challenges to firefighters as they searched for the origin of the fire. The large amount of smoke and poor ventilation posed additional challenges. Crews continued to find and battle hot spots until the fire was officially declared extinguished at 4:01 p.m. Additional fire companies were dispatched to the school to assist in the fire fight, provide relief to first-in crews, and to support the fire investigation.

Primary and secondary searches confirmed all 256 students and staff inside the school evacuated safely, and there were no injuries. Firefighters also confirmed a beloved classroom guinea pig was unharmed and has a safe place to stay tonight. The Madison Fire Department commends St. Dennis School for its quick and orderly evacuation, and for ensuring safe reunification of children with their families and caregivers.

The fire remains under investigation at this time. Damage estimates are not yet available.