Hot Ashes in Garage Lead to Fire

Hot ashes placed in a paper bag and left in the garage lead to a garage fire on Madison’s far east side this afternoon.  The fire caused an estimated $25,000 in damage to the garage and its contents.
 
Two occupants were in the house when they noticed some smoke and heard a smoke alarm sounding.  One occupant opened the door leading to the attached garage and discovered smoke and flames in the garage.  He quickly closed the door, both people left the house and they called 911 to report the fire.
 
City of Madison Firefighters were sent to the fire in the 700 block of Eagle Crest Drive at 2:55 p.m.  Engine 8 arrived within six minutes and reported light smoke coming from the overhead garage door.  The crew stretched a hose to the garage’s side entry door and prepared to open the overhead door.  Engine 5 arrived just moments after Engine 8 and stretched a second hose into the house.
 
The hose inside the house was used to extinguish the fire from the inside out.  The interior fire attack team began extinguishing the fire as the crews outside opened the overhead garage door.  This quickly extinguished the fire, pushing flames, heat and smoke out through the garage door.  This method of fire extinguishment fire reduced further damage to the unburned parts of the structure.
 
Firefighters checked the home to make sure there was no extension of fire into the attic or walls.  They found light smoke in the house, but no flames.  No injuries were reported at the scene.
 
 
Hot Coals and Ashes
When using a fireplace, woodstove or charcoal grill, be sure to dispose of the ashes and coals safely.
 

• Ashes and coals may reignite 48 to 72 hours after the fire is out.
• Be sure to let coals and ashes cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
• Place the container with the ashes or coals outside, away from any buildings or combustibles.

 
Smoke Alarms
Make sure your home is safe for you and your family by following these safety tips:
 

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, in each bedroom, and outside each bedroom.
• Test your smoke alarms every month.
• Make an escape plan and have a fire drill to practice your plan.
• When the alarm sounds, get out and stay out.
• After you have escaped, call 9-1-1 from a safe place.
• Never go back inside the building for any reason.