Garage Destroyed By Fire, Dogs Safe

Five dogs are safe following an early morning fire that destroyed a detached garage at 805 Douglas Trail. Two adult dogs and three puppies were in a porch area on the side of the garage when the fire happened. All of the dogs, with the exception of one, were able to escape from the porch. Firefighters found the missing pup among the smoldering debris. He was wet and shaking, but uninjured. The fire was reported by a neighbor and fire crews were sent to the scene at 1:20 AM. When firefighters arrived, the garage was engulfed with flames and threatening the nearby house. The fire was quickly extinguished and damage to the house was limited to some scorched wood siding. The flames also damaged two large trees and burned off the home's power lines. A fire investigator is on the scene looking for the cause of the fire. Damage to the garage and its contents is approximately $75,000. No injuries were reported at the fire scene. Making a home escape plan is easy and important. Here is how to make one: • Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home. • Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily. • Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet. • Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year. • Practice using different ways out. • Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can't help them. • Close doors behind you as you leave. • Test your smoke alarms every month. • When the alarm sounds, get out and stay out. • After you have escaped, call 9-1-1 from a safe place. • Never go back inside the building for any reason. • Please visit www.madisonfire.org for more safety information.