Wisconsin State Journal


There were no working fire alarms in the home of a 46-year-old Madison woman who died Monday morning in a condo fire on the city's North Side, authorities said.

Lolita Waskow, who was found on the second floor, was the only person in the home at 524 East Bluff St., said Madison Fire Department spokeswoman Lori Wirth. The fire was caused by food left cooking on a stove.

Wirth said Waskow's husband and two sons, ages 21 and 6, were out of town on a short trip at the time of the fire.

After a thorough sweep of Waskow's condo, investigators found no evidence of working smoke alarms, Wirth said.

The fire occurred before a new smoke alarm ordinance takes effect Aug. 15. Under the ordinance, all single-family homes in the city are required to have alarms on each floor, in each bedroom or sleeping area and within six feet of each door leading to a bedroom or sleeping area. A 10-year lithium battery is required in a tamper-resistant alarm unit, and those who don't comply may face a fine of $175.50.

The fire, reported at 12:21 a.m., was extinguished within minutes.

"Fire crews saw little smoke as they approached the two-story condo unit, but when they neared the fenced-in patio, they could see flames through the front door and glass patio door," Wirth said.

The Red Cross is assisting the family. Wirth said the family members are staying with other family in Madison.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team member David Sharpe said the Red Cross has been in contact with the family, but would not specify the type of aid the Red Cross was giving them.

Sharpe declined to give the names of Waskow's husband and children.

Wirth said a child from a neighboring condo was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation.

Damage to the condo is estimated at $150,000. The condo is a town house in a building of eight condo units. There was no damage to other condos in the building, and occupants of the other condos got out safely.

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August 3, 2010