Sprinkler Suppresses Fire After Boxes Were Left on Stovetop

An automatic fire sprinkler successfully contained a stovetop fire early Monday morning. 

Firefighters were sent to 8421 Mansion Hill Avenue for reports of a fire in a fourth floor unit.  A fire alarm woke up the unit occupant, and attempts to extinguish the fire with towels were unsuccessful.

Engine 12, Ladder 7, and Engine 7 were the first arriving fire companies. Ladder 7 entered the apartment and found an activated sprinkler in the kitchen suppressing the stovetop fire. Ladder 7 extinguished the remaining fire with a water can. Engine 7 and Ladder 7 overhauled the area to confirm there was no further fire spread as Engine 12 shut down the sprinkler system.

There was damage to the stove and upper cabinets near the stove, as well as water damage to the unit and units below. 

Upon investigation, firefighters noted boxes left on the stove and a burner turned on “low." The occupant was in the process of moving in prior to going to bed.

Seven people are displaced from two units. This building is new construction and received its certificate of occupancy a month ago. Some units are not yet occupied. 

The American Red Cross is assisting one of the displaced households. The occupant of the fire unit did have renters insurance. The Madison Fire Department encourages all tenants to acquire renters insurance.