The Fitchburg Fire Department received a pre-alert for a structure fire on Thursday, September 24 at approximately 6:18 p.m. for 1824 Paddock Place in Fitchburg. The fire department was notified that smoke and flames could be seen coming from an attached garage at this address. There was also some concern about the safety of one resident who could not be located at the time of the call.
The first arriving crews reported light to moderate smoke coming from the garage, but no flames could be seen. In an attempt to locate the source of the smoke, crews removed some ceiling just inside the house but determined that the smoke had simply been trapped in a void space and the fire had not spread to the house.
The resident who originally could not be located was seen walking around the garage, using a garden hose to extinguish flames. He was transported by FitchRona EMS to an area hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. In this situation, following some medical treatment, the resident is expected to fully recover; he was lucky and his actions did help to extinguish the fire.
The Fitchburg Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the safety of you and your loved ones should always be your primary concern in the event of a fire. Buildings and possessions can almost always be replaced – people cannot. The ability to extinguish a fire will always be limited by the type of fuel that is burning and the materials that are available to put out the fire. Water is safe to use on some types of fire, but will only help to spread other types. When in doubt, get out to safety and let the firefighters handle the situation. For more fire safety information and a chance to learn more about what firefighters do, stop by the Fitchburg Fire Department’s Open House on Sunday, October 3 from 10:00-2:00 at Firehouse #1 (5791 Lacy Road).
The cause of the fire has not been determined but is not believed to be suspicious in nature. The investigation is being conducted by the Fitchburg Fire Department Fire Investigator. Damage to the property is estimated at $15,000.
The Fitchburg Fire Department would like to thank the Verona Fire Department, Oregon Area Fire/EMS District and FitchRona EMS for their assistance during this event.
For further information contact:
Captain Jeff Berman
608-278-2980
Jeff.berman@fitchburgwi.gov