Smoke Detectors Save Lives!

On March 22, 2020, at approximately 3:07 a.m., the Belleville Fire Department, along with Belleville EMS, fire departments from Verona, Fitchburg and New Glarus, and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, were dispatched to an address on Paoli Road, in the Town of Montrose, for a residential structure fire with possible trapped occupants.
A Dane County Deputy arrived and found an active fire on the outside of an enclosed front porch. The deputy confirmed all occupants were out of the house and then deployed a fire extinguisher, which slowed the fire spread.
Engine companies from Belleville and Verona arrived simultaneously and made a very quick fire attack and search of the home to confirm all occupants were safely out of the house. All occupants were confirmed safe and the fire was extinguished within minutes of arrival.
The occupants of the home report being awoken by the smoke detectors sounding and smoke in the house. The occupants quickly called 911 and exited the home with their dog.
The fire, which caused about $15,000 in damage, was contained to an enclosed front porch. Two adults and one child are temporarily displaced and are staying with friends, no assistance or donations are requested at this time. The exact cause of the remains under investigation.
If you forgot to check your smoke detectors with the daylight savings time change recently, this is another great reminder to do so now.
<i>Submitted by Chanse Kaczmarski, Deputy Chief, Belleville Fire Department</i>