City of Madison firefighters battled a fully involved structure fire on the city’s east side this evening. Firefighters were dispatched to 9 Loomis Circle at 7:23 p.m. Crews could see smoke from the fire as they left the station, a mile away. Engine Company 8 was first on scene, with Ladder 8 close behind. Flames were seen at the roofline and crews immediately put up a water tower to keep fire from spreading to adjacent units. All residents were safely evacuated. Several pets, including birds and cats, also survived the fire.
 
As firefighters moved to the rear of the building, they observed heavy smoke and flames from the ground floor units, into the soffit, and through the roof, indicating a fast-moving fire.  The advanced nature of the fire caused crews to fight it from the exterior, with knockdown taking place at 7:55 p.m.
 
The structure is comprised of two buildings of four units each that share a common wall. Aggressive firefighting kept the fire from moving to the second building, and all residents of those four units were able to return to their homes.
 
Nine people in the four units damaged by fire have been displaced. Five of them are being assisted by the Red Cross.
 
One firefighter was injured at the scene. He was taken to an area hospital and is expected to recover.
 
Damages to the structure and contents are estimated at just under half a million dollars. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
 
Engine Company 9 was assigned overnight fire watch to ensure any potential rekindle is promptly extinguished, and prevent any further damage.