On Saturday, November 21, at 7:51 A.M., the Fitchburg Fire Department received a pre-alert for a fire at 3014 Bryn Wood Drive in Fitchburg. Dane County Communications (911 Center) had received a telephone call from an occupant of the home indicating that there was a fire in the library. The 911 Center instructed the residents to evacuate the building and wait outside until the fire department arrived.
At 07:52 A.M. the 911 Center paged for a structure fire response: three engine companies, three truck companies, two command cars and one paramedic ambulance. One of the three engine companies was provided by the Town of Madison Fire Department under an automatic aid agreement between the City of Fitchburg and the Town of Madison. The paramedic ambulance was provided by the FitchRona Emergency Medical Service. Fitchburg police also assisted by providing traffic control.
On arrival, Fitchburg Engine 1 reported heavy smoke coming from one side of the building, near the garage. Fitchburg Engine 1 extended a pre-connected hose line and began to attack the fire from the building’s exterior. The fire attack was supported with fire personnel from the Town of Madison and Fitchburg Engine 2. Fitchburg Squad 2 completed a primary search of the residence to ensure that all building occupants had evacuated and were accounted for. Squad 2 then pulled a second hose line into the residence to prevent the spread of fire into the other living areas of the home. Fitchburg Ladder 1 assisted with ventilation of the building and performed other activities related to protecting property within the home from fire and water damage and searching for fire extension into other portions of the residence.
Building occupants had initially noticed smoke coming from a direct vent gas fireplace located in the home library. Once firefighters were on scene, it was discovered that the fire was actually in an exterior 12 ft. x 15 ft. storage shed that was attached to the exterior wall of the library and extending into the home. This storage shed fully enclosed the external exhaust vent from the library fireplace.
Fitchburg police conducted the initial fire origin and cause investigation. The investigation is ongoing; however, it appears that the fire was due to an accidental cause and is not the result of a malicious act.
The attached storage shed and its contents are considered a total loss with additional fire extension into the sidewall structure of the residence. The residential library and other living areas within the house were also exposed to smoke. Total fire loss to the structure and building contents is estimated to be $100,000.
No injuries were reported and the residents were allowed to re-enter after electrical and gas service to the residence was restored by Madison Gas and Electric.
For further information contact:
Deputy Fire Chief Richard Roth
608-278-2980
Richard.Roth@fitchburgwi.gov