Wall Fire Causes Heavy Damage to Eastside Home

A fire inside the wall of an eastside home caused approximately $100,000 damage Monday night. Madison Firefighters worked hard to open the plaster and wire mesh walls to locate and extinguish the fire. As a result, one firefighter was transported to the hospital as a precaution. He was evaluated for heat exhaustion and released. The fire was discovered when a neighbor saw smoke coming from the attic of the home at 2320 Lakeland Avenue. A call was made to 911 and firefighters responded at 6:46 p.m. Engine 3 arrived a few minutes later and noted light smoke coming from the attic. Upon entering the house, firefighters found light smoke on the second floor and heavier smoke in the attic. A thermal imaging camera was used to help locate the fire burning inside the front wall of the house. Firefighters who were not involved with extinguishing the fire salvaged items that were not yet damaged. They moved photos and other cherished items away from the area of the fire to prevent damage. Tarps were also used to cover furniture to prevent smoke and water damage. The owners were not home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighters remind everyone of these 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. • Make sure your home and personal belongings are adequately insured in case of a fire. • Compile an inventory of your home's contents to document what was lost or damaged.