Basement Fire Damages West Side Duplex

City of Madison firefighters were called to 23 Mondale Court on the City's west side this evening for a basement fire. The call came in at 7:51. The occupants reported smoke and flames visible in the basement. They escaped without injury. The fire occurred in a duplex. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke in the basement, making it difficult to locate the fire. Basement fires are notoriously dangerous for firefighters due to the lack of egress options. Firefighters had the fire knocked down at 8:03 p.m. Fire damage was contained to the basement. There was some light smoke damage throughout the house. A preliminary damage estimate is set at $30,000. The cause is under investigation.