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Fire
Chris Carbon, Fire Chief

Fire Damages Duplex

  • Location

    3000 block Todd Dr
    Madison, WI 53713

  • Incident Date

    Dispatch: Jan. 15, 2025 - 6:35pm
    Arrival: Jan. 15, 2025 - 6:41pm
    Controlled: Jan. 15, 2025 - 7:06pm

  • Incident Type

    Structure

43.0313436, -89.4238726

This map displays an approximate location.

Updates

The MFD Fire Investigation Team believes this fire was unintentional. Investigators have identified three possible causes but cannot definitively determine what led to the fire. The hypotheses include:

  1. Possible overloading of an electrical outlet or circuit
  2. An electrical malfunction in the wiring of one of the devices plugged into a power strip
  3. Overheating of a lithium ion battery

Firefighters noted that there were numerous electronics plugged into a power strip in the room where the fire started. Furthermore, there were additional electrical items "daisy chained" from the power strip. Items plugged into the power strip include various chargers, a gaming console, gaming controller, a lamp, and a television. 

Fire Prevention Tips

The Madison Fire Department reminds the public to avoid overloading electrical outlets, power strips, and extension cords. Be sure to use the original chargers that came with your devices and electronics. Avoid off-brand, untested chargers and cords. Do not use extension cords for electronics and appliances that demand a lot of electricity; plug those items into a wall outlet. 

Visit our Lithium Ion Battery Safety page for more tips about charging your batteries and battery-powered devices. Be sure to have a Fire Evacuation Plan in place should a fire occur in your home.

--PIO Cynthia Schuster

Incident Details

Shortly after 6:30, a report of what sounded like an explosion was heard in the adjoining duplex, and a fire was noticed shortly afterward. The occupants evacuated and called the fire department. Upon the Fire department's arrival, flames could be seen from the rear of the structure, and crews quickly searched both sides of the duplex to confirm everyone, including family pets, were out safely while other crews extinguished the fire. One side of the duplex sustained fire and smoke damage, while the other was undamaged. A neighbor assisted occupants by opening their home to them during the fire to allow them to stay warm from the cold. The Red Cross is assisting all the occupants.

The fire is still under investigation, and no damage amount has been determined at this time. 

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