December 9, 2020 – Hartford, WI – On Wednesday morning, December 9, just after 1:30 a.m., the Hartford Fire Department responded to the 1000 block of Riverbend Drive in the City of Hartford for a Christmas decoration that started on fire inside an a 16-unit apartment building.
The occupant of the apartment was alerted to the fire by a working smoke detector and was able to extinguish the fire prior to the fire department’s arrival.
Fire crews ventilated the building and investigated the cause of the fire which they determined to be started by a candle too close to a wreath used as a centerpiece on a living room table.
Fire crews were on scene for about half hour and there were no injuries to report.
Fire officials estimate the damage to be about $3,000. This could have been a catastrophic event.
This should serve as a great reminder to everyone that smoke detectors save lives.
 The Hartford Fire Department would like everyone to practice fire safety year-round but especially during the holiday season.
Paul Stephans
Fire Chief
Hartford Fire & Rescue