Madison, WI – Sprinkler system prevents apartment fire from spreading

Two families were displaced from their westside apartments Tuesday night after a fire broke out in one of the units.

Madison fire officials said they responded to the 7900 block of Tree Lane around 10:15 p.m. for a water flow alarm. When crews arrived at the apartment complex, they found the fire alarm ringing and residents evacuating the 45-unit building.

Firefighters entered the building and made their way to the second floor where they found light smoke coming from one of the apartments, but they did not detect any heat or fire. Crews then discovered a sprinkler had activated in one of the bedrooms.

More firefighters were called in to help with ventilating the building and shut down the sprinklers, which were credited with stopping the fire from spreading to other units.

Two families, which included three adults and five children, were displaced by the fire. The Red Cross is providing temporary lodging, meals and other essential items while they’re displaced.

Damage to the two impacted apartments is estimated at $25,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.