Update: At approximately 2:30 on Sunday afternoon, it was determined that it was safe to restore potable water service and building heat to the complex (42-unit, 3-story building) Based on the restoration of these services, residents who had not already left the building were able to stay overnight if they wished to do so. Some residents with relatives who live nearby had already made the decision to leave the building as a precaution.
Property management and Fitchburg Senior Center staff had made arrangements for transportation and lodging for any residents who did not want to stay on-site and didn't have other nearby lodging options; however, most residents chose to remain in their home.
Property management continued to work with several contractors to fully restore the building and elevator mechanicals. All emergency personnel were released from the property once it was determined that no mass evacuation would be needed and that the building fire protection and alarm systems were fully functional.
Special thanks to Fitchburg Police, FitchRona EMS, and Fitchburg Senior Center staff for their assistance.
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Just after 8:30 in the morning on Sunday, January 17, 2021, Dane County Public Safety Communications (911) notified the Fitchburg Fire Department of a possible water issue at McKee Park Apartments in the City of Fitchburg. McKee Park Apartments is an income-based apartment community for seniors.
The first arriving crew met with property management and quickly confirmed that the basement level was flooded, with the water estimated to be about three feet dep. In addition to the standing water, there was a concern with an electrical hazard because of standing water in the boiler room.
Madison Gas & Electric (MG&E) was contacted to evaluate the potential electrical hazard. For the safety of residents and responding fire personnel, MG&E decided that both the gas and electric service for the building needed to be shut off.
Since it was undetermined how long gas and power would need to be shut off, the American Red Cross was advised of the situation in the event that residents needed to be evacuated.
At this point this is currently an active incident and more information will be shared as soon as it’s available.