At 2:11 a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2017, the Fitchburg Fire Department was notified of a structure fire on Harley Street in the City of Fitchburg. Fitchburg Engine 2, Ladder 1, Squad 2 and Car 1 responded to the scene.
Fitchburg Engine 2 arrived on scene approximately 7 minutes after the notification and found a working fire on the rear exterior wall of the attached garage that was beginning to extend to the living portion of the house. The crew from engine 2 was able to extinguish the fire less than 7 minutes after they arrived on scene.
Crews from Ladder 1 and Squad 2 assisted in checking for any extension of fire in the garage and on the exterior of the house.
According to Captain Jeff Berman, there were three occupants of the residence, along with one cat and one dog, who stayed at the Candlewood Suites in Fitchburg until repairs could be made to the residence.
The Fitchburg Fire Department was assisted by The Town of Madison Fire Department, Fitch-Rona EMS, and the Fitchburg Police Department.
At the time of the press release, Fitchburg Fire Investigator Troy Patton stated that the fire appears to have started in the garage; however, the cause of the fire is undetermined.
Damage to the property is estimated to be $50,000. There were working smoke detectors in the house. The house was not equipped with a residential sprinkler system.