UPDATED Wednesday, March 17, 2010 --- 3:15 p.m.

Press Release from the Madison Fire Department:
Apartment Fire Caused by Unattended Cooking - Updated

City of Madison Fire Investigators have determined that unattended cooking is the cause of this morning’s fire at 1611 Wright Street on the City’s northeast side.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 9:54 a.m. They arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story townhouse unit. The building houses two separate units. Smoke alarms did sound and occupants of both units had evacuated when firefighters arrived. There were three people in the apartment where the fire began, but seven people live at that address, several of them are children who were in school at the time.

Firefighters used an aggressive fire attack to knock down the fire within 10 minutes of their arrival.

A damage estimate has been set at $75,000. The American Red Cross Badger Chapter is assisting the family. They have no renters’ insurance.

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UPDATED Wednesday, March 17, 2010 --- 12:00 p.m.

Press Release from the Madison Fire Department:
Three Escape Apartment Fire

City of Madison Fire Investigators are at the scene of a mid-morning fire at 1611 Wright Street on the City’s northeast side.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 9:54 a.m. They arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story townhouse unit.

The building houses two separate units. Smoke alarms did sound and occupants of both units had evacuated when firefighters arrived. There were three people in the apartment where the fire began, but seven people live at that address, several of them are children who were in school at the time.

Firefighters used an aggressive fire attack to knock down the fire within 10 minutes of their arrival.

A damage estimate has been set at $75,000. The cause remains under investigation.

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UPDATED Wednesday, March 17, 2010 --- 11:00 a.m.

Wright Street is now back open.

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UPDATED Wednesday, March 17, 2010 --- 10:30 a.m.

Wright Street is closed between Straubel and Anderson Streets due to the fire (according to Fire Department spokesperson Lori Wirth).

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Posted Wednesday, March 17, 2010 --- 10:15 a.m.

Right now, the Madison Fire Department is at the scene of a fire.

This story is developing at 1611 Wright Street.

According to Fire Department spokesperson Lori Wirth, a 2-unit apartment has been evacuated.

Our news partner, WIBA Radio reports one apartment is fully engulfed; the other has smoke damage.

Stay with NBC15 and NBC15.com for continuing coverage.