Press Release
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
City of Fitchburg Fire Department
Fire Chief Joe Pulvermacher
(608) 278-2980
joe.pulvermacher@fitchurgwi.gov
City of Fitchburg Police Department
Lieutenant Todd Setzer
(608) 270-4300
todd.stetzer@fitchburgwi.gov
Multi-Agency Response to House Explosion in Fitchburg
Fitchburg, WI (August 26, 2016, 3:23 p.m.) - Update - As of 3:00 this afternoon, a thorough inspection of properties in the affected area was concluded by the City of Fitchburg Building Inspectors. Neighborhood residents are bing contacted regarding their ability to return home, or at least safely retrieve personal belongings.
Streets are being cleaned of all remaining debris and roads are expected to be accessible for local traffic by 5:00 this evening.
The investigation into the cause of Thursday night’s house explosion is still ongoing at this time. Information will be shared as it becomes available.
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Fitchburg, WI (August 26, 2016) - Update - Representatives from local, state and federal agencies are continuing the investigation into the house explosion that occurred Thursday night on Cheryl Dr in Fitchburg. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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Fitchburg, WI (August 25, 2016) - At approximately 7:00 pm this evening, a FitchRona ambulance traveling on S Fish Hatchery Rd witnessed an explosion at 5573 Cheryl Drive in the City of Fitchburg.
A 57 year-old male was the only patient and he was transported to UW hospital, conscious but with significant injuries, consistent with a blast; at this time, we do not have any updates on the current condition of this patient.
A mass casualty box alarm was called which brought multiple fire, EMS and police units from Fitchburg, Verona, the Town of Madison, and the City of Madison. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army both responded on scene to assist residents with housing or other needs.
Three houses in the neighborhood sustained major structural damage and 23 other structures sustained minor to moderate damage. The debris field from the explosion is expansive and is spread across S Fish Hatchery Rd. In an effort to preserve as much evidence as possible, as well as ensure the safety of the public, NB and SB South Fish Hatchery Rd will continue to be closed to traffic through the night. To minimize the impact on morning commuter traffic, one lane in each direction of S Fish Hatchery Rd will be re-opened by 6:00 a.m. Friday morning. East Cheryl Parkway and Cheryl Drive (from Research Park Drive to the east to Florann Drive to the west) will continue to be closed to traffic until the investigation has been completed.
A joint investigation is currently under way by the Fitchburg Police and Fire Departments, along with the Dane County Sheriff’s Officer, State Fire Marshal’s office, UW Police, DCI, and ATF.
The Fitchburg Joint Fire/Police Investigation team asks that anyone who would like to report damage from the explosion, including debris, or has information concerning the incident, please contact the Fitchburg Police Department at 608-270-4300 and leave your name and contact information so someone can follow up.
Residents can also contact the Fitchburg Police Department (608-270-4300) to request shelter assistance. American Red Cross personnel will also be available at the Fitchburg Community Center, located at 5510 Lacy Rd, on Friday after 8:30 am.
Fitchburg Police will be providing security through the duration of the investigation. Anyone who would like to request access to their property should contact the Fitchburg Police Department after 11:00 am, Friday morning, with their contact information and personnel will follow up with residents throughout the day.
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