Janesville Fire Department responds to early morning fire at old Big Ed’s Sew and Vac building

JANESVILLE – The Janesville Fire Department reponsed to a fire at the former Big Ed’s Sew and Vac at 410 W. Milwaukee St on Saturday.

The fire was spotted by Janesville police officers at about 1:15 a.m. Officers evacuated 10 people residing in upstairs apartments in the structure. The business part of the building is vacant, according to a release from the fire department.

The fire damaged the back of the building, and there was smoke damage throughout the rest of the building, according to the release. The residents were displaced because of the smoke damage, but, according to the release, were able to stay with friends and family in the area..

Two firefighters were treated and released for heat exhaustion.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The property damage is estimated at $100,000. The content damage is estimated at $50,000. The loss estimate is $150,000.

Alliant Energy, the Rock County Sheriff’s Department and the Lakeside Fire Protection District also responded to the scene.