At 11:15 am on Tuesday, July 3, the Fitchburg Fire Department was alerted to a possible residential structure fire on Tree Line Drive in the City of Fitchburg. Additional information provided by Dane County Dispatch indicated both smoke and flames were visible from outside of the house, and that all residents had safely exited.
The first responding Fitchburg units reported seeing heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof and immediately initiated fire suppression from both inside and outside of the structure. At 11:34, due to the amount of fire and high temps, the Incident Commander requested activation of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), which brought additional resources and personnel from area departments on scene.
Initial reports by the residents who were home at the time the fire started said they heard a noise in an upstairs bathroom shortly before they noticed smoke. Acting quickly, they were able to get themselves and the family dog out of the house safely and without injury.
The fire was under control shortly after 1:00 pm and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but is not believed to be suspicious in nature. Total damage is estimated at over $200,000
The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army responded to provide assistance to emergency responders and the residents; the family will be staying with relatives until they are able to access their residence.
Fire units from Verona, Oregon, Town of Madison, City of Madison, McFarland, and Cottage Grove, along with FitchRona EMS responded to assist with the fire and a crew from Maple Bluff staffed Fitchburg Firehouse 1.