Two people escaped a fire in a two-story duplex on Madison’s East side overnight.
 
Firefighters were dispatched to the 3100 block of Old Gate Rd. at 1:38 a.m. after a smoke alarm awoke the occupants.
 
Ladder Company 8 was first on scene. The Company Officer reported light smoke coming from the front of the unit and flames visible from a side window on the second floor. Ladder 8 quickly extinguished the fire with Engine 8 pulling a pre-connect line for back-up.
 
Residents in the neighboring unit, a family of 3, were awakened and evacuated by Madison police officers already at the scene. Their unit was undamaged and they were able to return to their home.
 
One occupant from the unit where the fire started, a male in his 20’s, was assessed at the scene for smoke inhalation, and requested transport to UW Hospital. His condition was not believed to be life-threatening.
 
Investigators believe the fire started in an upstairs bathroom. The exact cause remains under investigation. Damages are estimated at between $10,000 and $15,000.