On Thursday, December 6, at 11:11 p.m., Dane County Public Safety Communications (911) alerted the Fitchburg Fire Department to the report of a possible explosion and structure fire at 3039 Woods Edge Way in the City of Fitchburg.
Upon arrival, firefighters saw flames and heavy smoke, confirming an active structure fire. Traffic on McKee Road near Seminole Highway was restricted to ensure access for emergency vehicles. Due to the extent of the fire and the cold weather conditions the first arriving units quickly requested a “box alarm.” A box alarm is called to bring additional resources, both equipment and personnel, to assist with an incident; the resources are pre-determined based on the type of incident. The Fitchburg Fire Department is part of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 115.
Assistance on-scene was received from the Fitchburg Police Department, Fitch-Rona EMS, Verona Fire Department, Oregon Area Fire/EMS District, Town of Madison Fire Department, City of Madison Fire Department, Middleton Fire Department, Belleville Fire Department, and Maple Bluff Fire Rescue Department. Madison Metro brought a bus to provide shelter for residents and the American Red Cross assisted the two families who were displaced by the fire.
The structure fire originated in one side of a two-unit (side-by-side) condominium, with both units receiving significant damage. Residents from both units have been displaced. All residents who were home at the time of the fire were able to safely evacuate and there were no reported injuries during the incident.
The cause and exact location of origin are not known at this time, but the cause does not appear to be suspicious in nature. The incident is being investigated by fire department personnel. Estimated dollar loss is at least $800,000.
For more information, please contact Fire Chief Joe Pulvermacher at 608-278-2980.