UPDATED Thursday, May 15 --- 9:25am

From the Madison Fire Department: Hancock Street Fire Determined Accidental

The fire at 125 S. Hancock Street has been determined accidental as a result of an occupant burning mail and pizza boxes in his fireplace, then pushed the remaining debris down a fireplace chute.

The debris fell onto items placed directly in front of the chute, which had no cover installed.

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Posted Wednesday, May 14 --- 9:00pm

A fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in a downtown home leaving the residents temporarily homeless.

The flames ignited at a home along Hancock Street. Now the residents are looking for a place to live after the fire destroyed much of the inside of the house.

One of the residents noticed the smoke coming from his basement garage as he pulled into the driveway. He immediately called 9-1-1 and ran inside to grab his dog. Because of the old construction, the fire quickly spread to the attic. Luckily none of the four people who live there were home when the fire broke out. Authorities say it will take some time before they can move back in.

"There's significant fire damage to the building," says assistant fire chief, Jim Keiken. "(It) won't be able to be occupied by any of the tenants who are going to relocate and spend the night with some friends. Fire crews I assume are going to be on scene for quite some time."

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire or the extent of the damages. It from the basement garage to the third floor. The entire block of Hancock Street was closed off for several hours. No other structures were threatened.