Arson Investigation

• Incident date: September 20, 2014, 4:00 am
• Incident type: Fir e- Arson
• Location/address: Lot 51, N. Mills Street

Early Saturday morning, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the UW-Madison Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle on fire in Lot 51, on North Mills Street.  UWPD officers responded, along with the city of Madison Fire Department. The fire was quickly extinguished.

Officers have determined that someone lit a portable toilet on fire — that fire quickly spread to another portable toilet and a nearby vehicle.  Both portable toilets were destroyed, and the vehicle was badly damaged. A nearby UW Fleet vehicle also sustained some damage from the heat of the fire.

About an hour earlier, the City of Madison responded to a call of a trash cal lit on fire approximately two blocks away from the N. Mills Street incident. It’s unclear if the two incidents are related.

UWPD is looking for witnesses or anyone who might have information about the incident — they’re asked to call (608) 264-COPS.

General fire safety reminders:

• Immediately report any fire to Madison Fire and UWPD by calling 911.
• Report any suspicious behavior by calling 911. In case of fire, have an escape plan and discuss it with housemates.
• Do not try and extinguish large, dangerous fires alone — call 911.
• Do not stop to collect belongings and do not re-enter a burning building for any reason.