MADISON (WKOW) — A fire damaged two homes near East High School and led to a vehicle crash early Sunday morning.
Firefighters responded to the blaze at North Fifth Street and East Washington Avenue around 2:15 a.m., according to the Madison Fire Department. Crews arrived to find heavy flames at the back corner of a two-story home. One occupant reported no fire or smoke inside, prompting firefighters to evacuate two others.
The fire was extinguished within five minutes, and no flames spread inside the home. However, significant damage occurred to the exterior of the affected residence, and the heat impacted the siding of a neighboring home.
The fire department indicated that the cause was likely a cigarette dropped into a planter near the house.
During the incident, two drivers noticed the fire. One stopped to call 911, while the other rear-ended the first vehicle. The driver of the vehicle that was rear-ended was transported to the hospital, according to the report. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.