MADISON – Despite the blazing outside temperature, firefighters with Madison Fire and Rescue Department responded to two fires during the week of July 10.

“The first fire was located at a residence off Palmer Road on Saturday, July 9 around 12 p.m. The fire caused extensive damage to the home and was ruled unintentional in nature,” Captain Ryan Gentry said. Gentry works as a paramedic and as Community Outreach Representative and Public Information Officer for Madison Fire and Rescue Department.

“The second fire was at the Red Roof Inn at 8781 Madison Blvd. on Wednesday, July 13 around 2 a.m. and was caused by lightning. The damage to this building was minor and located in the roof area of one the extended-stay buildings,” Gentry said.

“C shift crews (were working) the past couple of shifts. Great job by our crews for their quick and hard work on their two fires in two shifts,” Gentry said.

“C shift” is one of the shifts for Madison firefighters. “As we work 24 hours on duty and then are off duty for 48 hours, we have A, B and C shift, which all work 24 hours and then are off for 48 hours,” Gentry said.

“Reminder – It’s always important to have working smoke detectors in our homes,” he said.

To report a fire or other emergency, call 911 and give the dispatcher all requested information. To reach Madison Fire Department about a situation that is not an emergency, call 256-772-3326. For more information, visit www.madisonal.gov, hover on “Departments” in the dropdown menus, and click “Fire.”