Early Morning Fire Causes Extensive Damage to an East Side Home

Fire at Home on Harding Street

Early this morning the Madison fire Department responded to a house fire at 222 Harding Street on Madison’s east side.  A guest in the home heard the sound of a fire in the storage area next to the upstairs bedroom that he was staying in. He awakened his friend and the homeowner, who called 911 at 4:44 AM.
 
As the first units approached, they could see smoke from a block away. There were also flames showing from the roof.  Ladder 8, Engine 5 and Engine 3 began an aggressive attack on the fire. Crews confirmed that all the occupants were out of the home. Rapid fire attack operations prevented the fire from spreading throughout the structure. They were able to knock down the fire 9 minutes from the time of the first arriving units. The firefighters were able to locate a pet cat that was in the home and move it to safety. Crews checked the home for extension of the fire to any additional areas, and confirmed that the fire was completely out.
 
The fire began in an upstairs storage room, and had quickly spread to the attic and across the roofline of the home, causing extensive damage.  It also burned through the floor of the second story of the home. Damage is estimated to be 50 to 80 thousand dollars.
 
It was fortunate that the houseguest was able to hear the sound of the fire, since the battery in the nearby smoke alarm had been removed. The occupants were able to get out of the home, without suffering any injuries. The Red Cross is assisting the homeowner with accommodations as the home is being repaired. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
 
As a reminder, working smoke alarms are required in homes, and are vital to the protection of people in our community.
 

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