Occupants Escape Afternoon House Fire

A 17-year-old Madison man was transported to UW Hospital today after a fire tore through his home on the City's North side. City of Madison firefighters were called to the single-family home at 1014 Monica Lane at 3:57 p.m. When Engine Company 10 arrived, firefighters saw black smoke filling the block in front of the home. Flames were coming from the front windows and the front door, and reaching above the roof line. There was an initial report from occupants that someone was still inside the house. Firefighters performed a search and rescue, but found no one. Upon entering the house, they encountered high heat and thick black smoke. The fire was knocked down within 10 minutes of arrival. Crews were kept busy with hot spots due to a heavy fire load within the home. Four people currently occupy the home. Two were home at the time of the fire. A woman escaped with no injuries. The young man who was transported was expected to be released this evening. Damage to the home is extensive, with an estimated total of $100,000 or more. The exact cause remains under investigation. The Red Cross is assisting the occupants.