Chocolaterian fire accidental, caused by electrical failure, officials say

Damage estimated to cost $750K

Site staff by Site Contributor

Madison Police Department

A fire caused an estimated $750,000 in damage to an east side building that housed a cafe and several other businesses, according to a release from the Madison Fire Department.

Madison fire officials said Wednesday that investigators determined the fire that destroyed Chocolaterian Cafe on Atwood Avenue early Sunday morning was an accident and caused by an electrical failure in the basement.

Crews responded just before 6 a.m. Sunday and found heavy smoke coming from the building.

Officials said the original fire was in the basement and spread from there.

Fire officials said the building has been turned over to the owners and their insurance representatives.

On Monday, the fire department’s heavy urban rescue team structurally reinforced the first floor of the building so it was safe for crews to go into the basement, according to a release.

No one was injured in the fire, but the cafe and the rest of the building sustained significant damage.

A view of the building before the fire:

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