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City of Madison News Release

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For Immediate Release:
Aug 2, 2012

For More Information Contact:
Lori Wirth
(608) 266-5947

Quick Call, Quick Response Keeps Damage Low in Suspected Arson

Owners of a construction trailer on the City's west side have Pam Jahnke to thank for limiting fire damage to their equipment this morning. The Fabulous Farm Babe was on her way to work this morning when she observed a construction trailer on fire at 6802 Hammersley Road and called 911.

The call came in at 2:30 a.m. When firefighters arrived, they found a construction-type storage trailer with fire showing on a rear corner, through the roof vent, and underneath the trailer.

They also found a container of charcoal lighter fluid at the scene, and the fire is being investigated as a possible arson.

Fire crews from Station 7 quickly extinguished the fire, limiting the damage to the trailer and preventing exposure to a backhoe adjacent to the trailer.

Damages to the trailer and its contents are estimated at $6,000.
The trailer and backhoe were parked in a grassy area.

Investigators say the recent rains that have soaked the area likely kept the fire from spreading more quickly