At approximately 7:00 pm this evening, a FitchRona ambulance traveling on S Fish Hatchery Rd discovered a house, located at 5573 Cheryl Drive in the City of Fitchburg, that had exploded.
A 57 year-old male was the only patient and he was transported to UW hospital, conscious but with significant injuries; 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 have sustained major structural damage and 23 other structures have sustained minor to moderate damage. The debris field from the explosion is expansive and spread across S Fish Hatchery Rd.
MG&E is currently on scene assisting with scene management.
A full investigation will be under way by the Fitchburg Police Department, along with the Division of Criminal Investigation, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the State Fire Marshal.
Fitchburg Fire Chief Joe Pulvermacher will be holding a joint news conference at 9:30 p.m. in the parking lot located at 2790 S Fish Hatcher Rd.
Additional information will be provided when available.