Madison, WI – Sprinkler system contains dumpster fire in garage; No injuries reported

An automated fire sprinkler is believed to have contained a dumpster fire on Madison’s southwest side Sunday evening, the Madison Fire Department reported.

Firefighters were dispatched shortly after 4:53 p.m. to the 4600 block of Atticus Way after smoke was detected in a lower garage area. Witnesses reported a dumpster on fire.

Bystanders moved the dumpster to a driveway just before crews arrived. Firefighters then applied water to extinguish remaining hot spots. The activated sprinkler had already largely contained the fire.

According to MFD, the sprinkler activation triggered the building’s fire alarm and prompted an evacuation.

Firefighters met with on-site building staff to provide guidance on restoring the sprinkler system and replacing a nearby smoke detector.

Beyond the dumpster, its contents, the affected sprinkler head and a damaged smoke alarm, no other building damage was reported. No injuries were reported.