Outdoor electrical fire prompts building evacuation, displacing residents overnight

The Madison Fire Department said they responded a report of an exterior fire along the side of a building on Ascot Lane. Upon arrival, Engine 9 firefighters approached the property on foot as heavy snow conditions on the street prevented the fire engine from getting up the hill of the street.

Officals said they then located an arcing electrical weatherhead on the corner of a four-unit apartment complex. According to the incident report, the wires inside the weatherhead had already burned through the siding of the pipe chase and there were also arcing wires up near a transformer.

Firefighters established a safe area around the arcing lines and requested an expedited response from Madison Gad and Electric (MGE). Engine 9’s crew entered the building and evacuated all tenants.

Firefighters discovered a slight haze and odor of smoke in the basement of the apartment complex, but said the exterior fire had not spread inside. A nearby building was also evacuated due to its proximity to the electrical fire.

Engine 9 stretched a 300-foot preconnect line to the driveway and stood by in case of a sudden need for water. As Medic 2 and Engine 4 assisted with establishing a water supply, the power lines running from the power pole to the building burned through, which put a stop to the arcing of the weatherhead.

Officials maintained a safe area around the building until MGE arrived to shut down the live electrical lines. Due to the power outage, which was expected to last overnight, tenants were not able to stay in the apartment complex. Many residents stayed with friends or family for the night and the American Red Cross provided help to others who needed housing assistance.