Investigators ask for public's pictures, videos of massive fire

MADISON, Wis. -

An estimate of damage caused by east Madison building fire was not yet available Saturday but the fire remained in control as firefighters remained at the scene overnight, officials said.

Madison Fire Department spokeswoman Lori Wirth said crews had stayed watch overnight to battle hot spots at the site where an apartment building under construction on Apollo Way caught fire Friday night.

The fire was initially reported by drivers on Interstate 90 who saw smoke and flames at about 7:30 p.m., Wirth said.

Firefighters en route to the site saw smoke and flames come from the back side of the building on the third and fourth floors from a half mile away, according to a release.

Heat from the fire caused fire crews to move back from the building, as heat was melting plastic on the fire engine and breaking window glass.

"Because the building was under construction with no occupants ... crews adopted a defensive strategy to protect the occupied dwellings, Wirth said.

Heat from the fire caused damage to houses nearby, melting siding and cracking windows. Firefighters hosed the buildings with water to cool them and prevent structural damage, according to the fire department.

The blaze was visible from miles away and falling debris caused spot fires across the interstate. The 911 center continued to receive reports of intense heat, heavy smoke, falling debris and grass fires along the interstate and areas of the east side up to an hour after the initial call.

Crews had the fire under control by 9:37 p.m. but remained on Apollo Way to maintain control. Pallets of building materials across the estimated two-acre fire continued to smolder Saturday, fire officials said.

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Investigators ask for public's pictures, videos of massive fire