Home Damaged by Fire, Everyone Safe

Fire damaged a home on Madison's south side Tuesday evening and displaced the owners until repairs can be made. Five people were in the home at the time of the fire and escaped without injury. The residents heard a crackling noise coming from the home's lower level, went to investigate, and discovered a fire in the wall. The occupants quickly left the home and called 911. Firefighters were summoned to the scene at 4:51 pm. Ladder 6 reported seeing heavy black smoke shortly after leaving their fire station on Badger Road. Firefighters arrived within nine minutes and had the fire extinguished six minutes later. Crews used hoses to attack the fire burning on the rear wall of the home. A small amount of fire was extinguished inside the lower level. The fire caused approximately $80,000 damage to the structure and $10,000 damage to the contents in the home. The heaviest fire damage occurred on the exterior of the home. Very light smoke damage was noted inside the home. Firefighters prevented further damage to furniture and other items in the home by moving these items away from the fire area. Walls and ceilings were also opened up to check for fire hidden behind the walls and above the ceiling. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it appears unintentional. Firefighters remind everyone of 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.