Fire Department Information

Fire Fighters Local 311

City of Madison Home Page

Acknowledgements The Beginning... First Engine Houses Built First Engines Ordered The Volunteers Hook & Ladder Company Sack Company Steam Engines Waterworks The End of Volunteers Notable Department Milestones 1908 - 1930s 1940s 1950 - 1960s 1970s 1980-1990s The Fires 1850s 1900-1930s 1940-1960s 1970-1990s Madison Fire Department Chiefs

Acknowledgements:

The following City of Madison Fire Department (MFD) history was taken directly from the book Capital City Courage: A History of the Madison Fire Department, 1856-1991.  A special thanks goes out to the original MFD History Book Committee (Mike Fuss, Joe Conway, Jr., Shelley Conway, Terry Turnquist, Roger Bjorge, and Tommy Anderson) who put together this wonderful book on the history of the Fire Department.  To get this history out to a new generation of people who use the internet as their primary source for information, we have made an attempt to summarize the department's history in a package that fits the internet information medium.  The department has an incredible history and by no means does this summary tell the complete story and accomplishments of the department.  However, it is hoped that the following information provides the outline of what is truly a remarkable history and that over time the information will be expanded on to give a more complete picture of the City of Madison Fire Department's history.  For a much more comprehensive look at the history of the department, as well as to view amazing photos of this history, we strongly urge visitors to find a copy of the book Capital City Courage.

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The Beginning...

There is evidence of an attempt to form an organized fire service in Madison dating back to 1838.  Augustus A. Bird and William N. Seymour, both of whom settled in Madison after coming here to build our first capitol, summoned the help of the villagers when there was a fire by running through the town ringing dinner bells and shouting "Fire, fire, turn out!".  Citizens and fireman raced to the fire grabbing buckets along the way and using the fire company's only apparatus, a "bucket rack" used to carry buckets to the fire.

When incorporated as a village in 1846, one of the first ordinances passed concerned fire protection.  It required all owners of a building in which fires were kept to have buckets in a convenient place and required that two Fire Wardens be appointed "to give directions and commands to all persons assembled to any fire" and "to cause to be extinguished any fire".  However, despite the appropriate concerns and a few pieces of basic equipment acquired over the years, Madison remained unable to band together a group of men to use the equipment.

Though there were many attempts to organize sooner, the beginning of the Madison Fire Department as we know it today dates back to the volunteers of 1856.  By the time the village was incorporated as a city on March 4, 1856 the need for an organized fire service was obvious.  In his inaugural message, Madison's first Mayor, J.C. Fairchild, proclaimed: "No city has been so providentially exempt from fire in the past as Madison.  During the last winter, two fires occurred.  A recent fire in the business section of the City illustrates two facts: a want of necessary apparatus and a surprising knowledge and tact on the part of your citizens in subduing fire...This want of apparatus must be supplied, and connected with public cisterns."

The City Charter directed the Council "to authorize formation of fire engine, hook and ladder, and hose companies, and to provide for the due and proper support and regulation of the same...Each company shall not exceed seventy able bodied men, between the ages of fifteen and fifty years, and may elect its own officers and form its own by-laws".   To encourage an ample supply of volunteers, the Charter exempted fireman "from highway work, poll tax, from serving on juries, and from military duty during the continuance of such memberships".  The Charter also provided for organization of a Sack Company and appointed by the volunteers of four Fire Wardens, one for each Ward, who would have authority to access any building for the purpose of inspection to guard against fire.

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First Engine Houses Built:

The first two fire engine houses were completed in the Spring of 1857.  One site was on Block 102 facing Webster and the other on Block 75 facing State Street.  The cost of the two houses, including lots, totaled $4,600.

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First Engines Ordered:

On April 2, 1857, fire companies were notified that the first two engines had arrived.  The engines were manufactured by Wm. Jeffers & Co.  Madison celebrated the long awaited arrival of their first two fire engines with a parade, including a band, after which the crowd assembled to witness the testing of the hand pumpers at Lake Monona.

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The Volunteers:

As of April 10, 1856, William H. Holt had organized a group of volunteers to fight fires in Madison.  Members of Holt's newly organized Challenge Engine Company No. 1 were "Americans" (mostly 4th Ward Irishmen).  The name was soon changed to Mendota Engine Company No. 1.  Their first uniforms consisted a red flannel jacket with a blue collar and hemmed with white braid.  A black belt, black pants and a red and white hat completed the outfit.

Madison Fire Company No. 2 was organized June 23, 1856 by prominent German residents.  In addition to its firefighting duties, it served as a business and social group.  Its constitution was adopted July 30, 1856 and signed by 61 members.

Volunteers were paid $12 per annum to cover expenses related to their services.

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Hook & Ladder Company:

On September 30, 1857, Hook and Ladder Company No.1 was organized with over 20 members on record.  In 1858 it became known as the Capital Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.  Until 1885, the company was independent from MFD and purchased their own equipment, paying $685 for the first hook and ladder truck which arrived in April, 1858.  Built by James Smith of New York, the truck was at the time one of the longest in the country measuring 50 feet from tongue to tiller.  It carried five ladders, the longest being 48 feet in length.  At least four volunteers were needed to push the truck to a fire.  In 1891, a new horse drawn truck was purchased, at a cost of $2,400, for the hook and ladder company and placed in service at the No. 1 engine house.  As of October 9, 1891, the Company's name was changed to Wm. H. Rogers Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1.

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Sack Company:

On January 18, 1858, Sack Company No. 1 was organized to act as a special police force at the scene of a fire to keep crowds under control, protect against looting and try to preserve goods from fire and water damage.  The name of the company was derived from their principal piece of equipment, a sack.

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Steam Engines:

Comprised mostly of members from Madison Fire Company 2, the E.W. Keyes Steam Engine Company No. 1 was organized on November 14, 1866.  This was followed in December of 1866 with the arrival of Madison's first steam engine, also named after the Mayor of Madison, E.W. Keyes.  A second steam pumper was purchased for the Andrew Proudfit Engine Company No. 2 (previously Madison No. 2)  in 1870.

Andrew Proudfit Engine Company No. 2's steamer engine is shown in front of Central Fire Station at 10 South Webster Street (picture taken after 1881).  The ornate lantern shown here on the steamer is among the items in the collection of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.

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Waterworks:

As of 1880, water for fire suppression was obtained from any of fifteen tanks located in different parts of the city or three large railroad water tanks.  The City's water supply totaled 11,800 barrels.  In 1882, a waterworks costing $36,000 was installed in the City.  A steam powered engine provided pressure to the water mains.  Just as the steam engine companies had displaced the hand engine companies some years before, "hose companies", using the new waterworks, became the dominate force within the department.

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The End of Volunteers:

On July 1, 1901 the department took a giant stride towards a professional rank when it was reorganized and hired 16 full-time firefighters.  Charles Bernard, who had led the volunteer force for 11 years, was appointed the Madison Fire Department's first full-time Chief Engineer and John Engelberger, Jr. was named his assistant.  During this period, volunteers were still used to support the fire department.  In 1907, Charles Heyl succeeded Bernard as Chief Engineer.  Soon after taking office, Heyl convinced the City Council that a fully paid Department would provide the City with better protection.  On July 1, 1908, Madison had its first fully paid Fire Department.  Firefighters worked six 24-hour shifts with one day off per week and three hours off for meals per day.  By the end of the year, personnel included one Chief Engineer, one Assistant Chief, one Electrician, and 24 full-paid men.  Payroll for the entire year totaled $21,783. 

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Notable Department Milestones (1908 - 1991)

1908 - 1930s...

• 1908 (July) - The City of Madison Fire Department becomes a fully paid department.
• 1910 - The movement to motorized equipment began.
• 1913 - The City enacted a Building Code as Chapter 17 of the General Ordinances.  A Building Commissioner and others were appointed to enforce the code which was a forerunner to modern Fire Prevention Codes.  
• 1919 - The last MFD horses, serving at Station No. 4, were sold and the motorization of the department completed.
• 1922 (May) - The first two-platoon system began.  Firefighters worked 24-hour shifts every other day and averaged 84 hours per week.
• 1929 (March) - Chief Heyl retired after 22 years as Chief, longer than any other Chief in the department's history.
• 1931 (May) - Members of the MFD organized Local 311 and became charter members of the International Association of Firefighters.
• 1936 - Six firefighters (and nine policemen) were trained as Red Cross first aid instructors in an innovative program designed to spread first aid education throughout the State.
• 1939 (June) - A drill and fire school was started in order to efficiently and thoroughly train the men.
• 1939 - Although protective gear was still considered a novelty rather than an accepted necessity, two self-contained oxygen masks were added to the supply of six service canisters.
• 1939 (June) - Firefighters Judson H. Holcomb and Adolph N. Habich were the first Madison firefighters to die in the line of duty during a fire at the Mary Ann Bake Shop, 602 S. Park Street, when the floor collapsed.

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1940s...

• 1942 - The MFD was suffering from a lack of manpower and materials due to the war.  Civilian men were trained as auxiliary firefighters and preparations made for possible air raids and war-related fires.
• 1942 (October) - Madison held its first Fire Prevention Week.
• 1944 (January) - Due directly to the manpower shortage, the MFD hired its first woman employee.  Bettie Ford began working as the Department's secretary.
• 1945 (October) - A Fire Prevention Bureau was established to "make the required inspections...as required by law, thereby reducing the fire hazards and the fire loss in the city."  Aside from inspection, the bureau would also handle arson investigations, provide community education, and act as a law enforcement organization when warranted.
• 1946 (September) - The Police and Fire Commission amended Rule 70: Saluting within Department was abolished.
• 1947 (February) - Firefighters began working a 72-hour week; two platoons continued to work 24-hour shifts.
• 1947 (September) - The Department received two-way radios allowing communication between dispatch and truck and truck-to-truck.  Madison was the first in the nation to have an FM radio transmitter on a very high frequency (153.89 megacycles) designed especially for fire departments.
• 1947 (November) - A third Madison firefighter lost his life in the line of duty.  Assistant Chief Patrick Brown suffered a heart attack while at a rooming house fire.  Chief Brown was a 41-year veteran of the MFD.
• 1949 - Work to convert an auxiliary truck into Madison's first rescue squad was completed.

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1950 - 1960s...

• 1951 (January) - Firefighters began working a 67-hour week; two platoons continued to work 24-hour shifts.
• 1955 (February) - Firefighters began working a 63-hour week; two platoons continued to work 24-hour shifts.
• 1962 (January) - Five firefighters were promoted to become the first full-time fire dispatchers.  The alarm, radio dispatch, and switch board operations were handled at Station No. 1.
• 1962 (Summer) - Through the pioneer efforts of Dr. Carl Siebecker of the UW Hospital and the Dane County Medical Association, firefighters were trained in heart massage techniques along with resuscitation.  
• 1963 (July) - To aid in fire prevention, the Department began an in-service inspection program where by carrying radios, firefighters were able to make building inspections, yet remain "in-service".
• 1963 - A public information and education program was established.
• 1965 (January) - The MFD began providing emergency ambulance service to the City of Madison.  Ambulances were purchased and operated from Stations 1, 8, and 9.
• 1966 (January) - The department switched to a three-platoon system.  Firefighters no longer worked 24 hours per day; instead they worked split-shifts with 11-hour days and 13-hour nights to create a 56-hour work week.
• 1966 (January 8) - Firefighter Daniel P. Parkinson was killed while fighting a fire in the apartments above the Sergenian's Carpet Store at 227 State Street.  Parkinson was the fourth Madison firefighter to die in the line of duty.
• 1967 (January) - The department abandoned split-shifts and returned to 24-hour shifts.  Three platoons continued to work 56-hour weeks.
• 1967 (August) - In an effort to attract and retain the most qualified personnel, a Police and Fire Incentive Program began.  Extra compensation is awarded to employees who pursue a college education or job related training.
• 1968 - Station No.1 on West Dayton replaced Central Fire Station on South Webster Street.  An Administration Building housing the Fire Prevention Division, a new dispatch center, and administrative chiefs, was built at 325 West Johnson Street behind Station No. 1. 
• 1969 (February-March) - After the City Common Council voted against parity between firefighter and police pay, on March 27, the firefighters union (Local 311) went on strike.  This was the first Madison municipal group to go out on strike and the action was illegal.  On March 28, schools were cancelled due to the strike and seven MFD administrators continued operating a 'fire department'.  Fifty-two hours after the strike began, on March 30, an agreement was reached and firefighters returned to stations.  A return to "normal" did not follow immediately.  Sparring between the MFD Administration, Local 311, the Police and Fire Commission, and the City Council remained in the headlines for nearly two years.

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1970s...

• 1972 - The MFD participated in a federally funded program to train paramedics through the University of Wisconsin Hospital.
• 1974 (January) - The first civilian "Alarm Operators" (dispatchers) were hired.
• 1974 (June) - The work week dropped to the present 48 hours; firefighters continued to use a three-platoon system with 24-hour shifts.
• 1974 (August) - Madison hired its first black firefighters: Johnny Jackson, Jeff Green, and Jerry Greene.
• 1976 (January 6) - A Police and Fire Arson Squad was created to tackle problems associated with Arson.
• 1976 (January) - Dr. Marvin Birnbaum was appointed Medical Director of the paramedic program.
• 1977 - The National Apprenticeship and Training Committee awarded "Professional Journeyman Firefighter" certificates to MFD personnel who were the first firefighters in the nation to complete the recommended standards.
• 1978 - Madison hired its first female firefighters: Marcia Holtz and Mary Freitag.  They were released and rehired in 1980.
• 1979 (October) - Madison's Fire and Police Departments were awarded grant money for the establishments of a "Madison Area Arson Control Program."

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1980 - 1990s...

• 1980 - Jerry Anderson and Cecil Hendricks were appointed the Department's first full-time fire/arson investigators.
• 1980 (April) - A Public Education unit was created.
• 1980 - Smoke detectors were required in all new housing construction and for existing one- or two-family homes within 30 days of occupancy by a new buyer.
• 1981 - A Children & Fire Program (also known as Juvenile Firesetters) began.
• 1983 - A MFD Lake Rescue Team was formally introduced.
• 1985 - Oliver Olson became the last firefighter to serve as a MFD mechanic and civilians have staffed the Maintenance Bureau since that time.
• 1987 (June) - The department's new Hazardous Materials Incident Team was formally placed into service.
• 1988 (July) - Madison Area Technical College began training at their new firefighter training facility at 1750 Pearson Street.  Students included potential Madison recruits.
• 1989 (January 25) - A county-wide "911" emergency dispatch system was officially "put on the line" at 10:30 am.  The MFD's civilian dispatchers were hired by the county and dispatching services within the Department were eliminated.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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The Fires...

Although there have been a lot of fires over the history of the Madison Fire department that are very noteworthy, the following select few from each time period have been selected for the website.  For a more complete listing of historical fires we urge visitors to find a copy of the Capital City Courage which has a much more comprehensive list of historical fires, as well as amazing photographs to look at.

1855, 1856, & 1857 Fires

The City's first major fire was October 28, 1855 when the planning mill and factory of Campbell, Hogg & Welch and another small dwelling owned by a Mr. McConnell were destroyed.  Another destructive fire occurred March 2, 1856 on Webster Street.  It threatened the City's main business district but by the efforts of citizens the fire was contained in the buildings housing Cronen's Saloon, Noyes' Shoe Store, and Bradley's Drug Store.  On June 6, 1857, all the buildings on Washington Avenue from the corner of Webster Street up to Bruen's block were totally destroyed by fire.  The newspaper reported, "The firemen were on the ground, and worked as only firemen work, but in consequence of the lack of water, their exertions were in great manner wasted.  However, but for them, the best portion of the city would assuredly have been burned up."

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1900 - 1930s Fires

Capitol Burns - A fire on February 27, 1904 destroyed the State Capitol building.  The flame from a gas jet in a cloak room on the second floor caused the fire which began around 2:45 am.  By noon it was burning out of control.  The disaster destroyed a number of historical gems; possibly the most sentimental loss of the 20 hour blaze was the preserved body of "Old Abe" the famed eagle mascot of Wisconsin's Eighth Regiment in the Civil War.  Firefighters from Janesville and Milwaukee arrived by train to aid in battling the blaze.  The newspaper reported that Chief Bernard was injured early in the fire and the north wing was saved by "the heroic work of Jay H. Snell and his brave fellows."  Losses for the uninsured building were estimated at $800,000 to $1 million.  Construction of the present Capitol began in 1906 and was completed in July of 1917 at a cost of over $7.2 million.

J. H. Findorff & Son Planing Mill Fire - On May 13, 1909, a destructive fire at the four-story J. H. Findorff Planing Mill was considered a major threat to the City.  Losses were estimated at $200,000 and included the nearly completed millwork for portions of the new Capitol building.  The fire threatened two nearby fuel companies and records show that over 20 other buildings caught fire from flying sparks.

Main Hall Fire - October 10, 1916, a large number of students worked with firefighters to bring a blaze at Main (later named Bascom) Hall on the University of Wisconsin (UW) campus under control.  The fire was confined to the ornate dome which was destroyed and never replaced.  Some accounts suggest that rainwater which had accumulated in the base of the dome on top of the UW's Main Hall saved the building from total destruction as efforts were hampered by a lackof water pressure.

Parkway Theater Fire - On October 17, 1925, the roof of the Parkway Theater on West Mifflin Street collapsed as fire swept through the movie house.  Several people were overcome by smoke and a panicked crowd of 1,000 reportedly stampeded.  All apparatus was used at the fire.  An estimated 20,000 spectators were on hand due to UW Homecoming celebrations.  Firefighters could be seen jumping from the roof several times as portions gave way beneath them.  Chief Heyl described their efforts as "the most energetic battle against fire" in his memory stating that it was the most threatening fire he had fought.  Said Heyl: "I thought the entire block was going...I never saw a fire go so quickly."

Mary Ann Bake Shop - On June 10, 1939, Judson H. Holocomb and Adolph N. Habich were attacking a basement fire from the main floor stairway at the Mary Ann Bake Shop, 602 South Park Street, when the floor collapsed.  The collapse was blamed on a 15-ton bakery oven which had improperly overloaded the floor along with a weakening of the floor supports due to the fire below.  The men were crushed by the oven as they toppled with it into the basement.  They were the first Madison firefighters to die in the line of duty.  Because accounts of the incident varied, details were provided in a statement by the Police and Fire Commission.  The statement concluded: "We are satisfied that the deployment of the men...was proper and necessary and that no practical safety measures were neglected.  At any fire the consideration of personal safety always conflicts with the necessity of reaching the fire.  This tragedy could not have been foreseen by the men and demonstrates the hazards which constantly confront the Department."

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1940 - 1960s Fires

Winter of 1946 - Three major fires fought in the bitter cold of winter made 1946 a memorable year.  First came the Nuss Implement Fire; then the Garver's Supply fire; and finally the Heidelberg-Hofbrau fire.  In the Garver's Feed and Supply fire, a wing of the building leased to six other businesses burned with explosions of stored oils, anti-freeze, and liquor hampering efforts to put out the blaze.  The Heidelberg-Hofbrau fire was a four-alarm fire that damaged the Heidelberg-Hofbrau Restaurant, Rennebohm Drug and The Hub Clothing Store on West Mifflin Street.  Three firefighters and one policeman were hospitalized and losses were estimated at $500,000.  Several times the fire was brought under control only to be set off again by explosions of the large quantities of stored liquors.  Chief Page said, "I believe to the best of my knowledge, the Hofbrau fire was the most hazardous and serious threat to the safety of our high hazard district that Madison has ever seen." 

Bassett Street Explosions - Failure of a regulating valve allowed natural gas to rush at high pressure into low pressure valves causing explosions which rocked the Bassett Street area.  Five buildings were destroyed and two people killed.  Fed by the gas, flames erupted continuously, leaping through cracks in the street to surround firefighters as they positioned themselves to attack the fires.  A witness compared the perilous scene to "an artist's picture of hell".  Bassett street losses were expected to exceed $1 million.  A proud Chie Page said of the incident, it was "probably the most disastrous conflagration that the City of Madison has ever experienced.  The esprit de corps and magnificent courage demonstrated by the officers and men of the Department, as well as the Police Department, Water Department, and other City and County units is worthy of the highest commendation."  The bravery and performance of the firefighters drew praise from a grateful city.  One Bassett Street resident commented, "This city should get down on its knees and thank God that we've got a fire department like that."

State Street Fire - A fire began at the El-Kismet Restaurant, 450 State Street, and spread to six adjacent businesses.  Eight additional businesses and a rooming lodge were damaged by smoke and water causing an estimated $500,000 in damages.  After 12 hours, and with the fire under control, Chief Page reported, it "was the largest conflagration that this City has experienced since the Bassett Street explosion...Great credit must be given to the officers and men of this Department, who during the most adverse of conditions, successfully brought this major fire under control."

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1970 - 1990s Fires

Math Research Building Explosion - On August 24, 1970, at 3:42 am an unidentified caller warned police dispatcher: "Hey pig.  There's a bomb in the Math Research Building on University campus. Clear the building." Within two minutes a blast, heard over 30 miles away, tore the building apart killing a 33-year old graduate student.  Four fire companies responded but only minor fires followed the blast.  Two hours after the explosion, firefighters found another student buried alive under the debris.  Losses were estimated at $2 million.  Over the preceding 12 months, at least 25 incidents of "protest" firebombings and arson had occurred.

Arbor Drive Apartment Building Fire -  On April 1, 1978, a 32-unit apartment building at 2602 Arbor Drive "literally blew up" when fire caused temperatures inside 75 percent of the aluminum coated building to reach 1,000 degrees.  The spectacular blaze was so hot it scorched and melted MFD equipment.  Over 75 firefighters battled the five-alarm fire which caused $1 million in damages.

Packers Avenue Warehouses Fire - On May 6, 1981, a cutting torch accident ignited a warehouse leased to Oscar Mayer (1718 Holmberg Street) and spread to a second building housing Badger Sheet Metal (1717 Nelson Street).  Strong Winds worked against the efforts to control the blaze.  A resin stored in the Oscar Mayer building caused additional problems including heavy, toxic smoke.  Losses due to the destruction of the "Packers Avenue warehouses" were estimated at $1 million.

West Gorham Street Fire - On January 8, 1982, a fire destroyed the Lysistrata Restaurant, Flour Box Bakery and Confectionary, Jewels, The Living Room, and a sign painting shop at the corner of North Broom and West Gorham Streets.  Firefighters were hampered by a collapsing roof and sub-zero temperatures which caused water to freeze as it poured into the streets creating a 4-inch coating of ice.  Ice also slowed the efforts of fire/arson investigators who concluded the blaze was intentionally set.  Losses were estimated at $500,000.

Don the Muffler Man Fire - On November 30, 1990, a welding torch accidentally started a blaze at Don the Muffler Man, 2208 University Avenue.  Equipment, 20 cars, and a large portion of the building were destroyed in the $1 million blaze.  Burning fuels, tires, cleaning solvents, and oxygen and acetylene tanks caused explosions and such intense heat that equipment could not be positioned close to the building.  Firefighters who moved in between the muffler shop and the neighboring Octopus Car Wash were credited with preventing the flames from spreading to the car wash.

Central Storage & Warehouse Fire - On May 3, 1991, at 3:31 pm, the MFD responded to a fire at the Central Storage & Warehouse Company, 4309 Cottage Grove Road.  The complex, a cold storage facility consisting of five buildings totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, contained approximately 50 million pounds of food products.  Upon arrival to the scene flames were already shooting high into the sky and a second alarm was requested.  The fire was originally limited to one building as firefighters attacked it from all sides.  Just as ten firefighters and two apparatus were moved from the east side of the structure, the wall collapsed on their previous position.  The fire, fueled by the stored butter, lard, and cheese, continued to gain momentum; water had little effect on it.  The melted food products caused additional problems as they mixed with water and flowed away from the building towards Starkweather Creek.  Appropriate environmental agencies were called in to assist in minimizing the damage to the environment.  By 6:00 pm the fire had spread to a second building and a third alarm was made.  With 70 firefighters at the scene, off-duty personnel were called into man vacated stations.  Additional off-duty personnel were requested to report to the staging area of Station No. 5.  At 11:00 pm the second building collapsed.  At midnight, with the fire threatening the facility's anhydrous ammonia tanks, an evacuation of approximately 3,000 residents within a 1/2 mile radius was ordered.  By 3:30 am the fire had been pushed back from the area of the ammonia tanks and the evacuation was changed to an advisory.  At noon, the MFD requested mutual aid (fifty volunteers responded) from surrounding communities to give MFD firefighters a short break to recover.  On May 5 at 10:00 am, the blaze was declared "under control", but continued to smolder under tons of rubble.  By 6:00 pm the fire was down-graded to a "fire watch" with 12 firefighters on the scene to extinguish hot spots as construction crews cleared away wreckage.  On May 7, fire/arson investigators were able to determine the fire was accidental and that the origin of the fire to be in and around a battery propelled forklift.  On May 11, eight days after the start of the fire, the fire was declared "officially out".  Losses were estimated at $7.5 million in property damages, $70 million in contents, and nearly $1 million in clean-up costs.  This blaze was without argument the largest and most difficult fire the MFD has ever fought. 

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Madison Fire Department Chiefs

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