South Milwaukee Fire Forces 12 People From Their Apartments

Update: The Red Cross has been called to help those displaced by the fire. And the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has more details — including word that South Milwaukee police helped evacuate some from the building. 

Thankfully, no one had to be taken to the hospital following the fire Sunday morning at 708-710 Madison Ave., although there was damage to all three apartments.

Here is the update from Acting South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter …

At approximately 5:17 this morning, South Milwaukee 9-1-1 Dispatch received a call from the occupants of the third floor apartment at 710A Madison Avenue reporting that their bathroom was on fire.  The building is a multi-family apartment building with three addresses, 708-710 & 710A Madison Avenue. Upon arrival of South Milwaukee Police and Fire units, occupants were in the process of self-evacuating while fire vented through the roof above the rear, northwest corner of the building. 

Firefighters made their way up the narrow, winding staircase to the third floor and found significant fire involvement in the bathroom and above their heads in the attic area.  Walls and ceilings had to be pulled to access the fire that continued to burn. 

In all, 12 occupants were evacuated from the three apartments with one receiving medical evaluation on scene and refusing transport.  Damage in the attic was extensive throughout with significant damage to the rear portion of the third floor apartment and water damage to the 2^nd and 1^st floor apartments.

The initial fire response included assistance from Cudahy, St. Francis, Oak Creek, and the 128^th Air Refueling wing.  In addition, a MABAS Box alarm was requested due to the numerous void spaces that would have to be opened up to check for fire extension and the extensive overhaul that would be required.  The MABAS alarm brings units from Greenfield, Greendale, Franklin to the scene and Hales Corners, who provides staffing to cover our station and respond to subsequent calls.

The fire remains under investigation at this time, but accidental, intentional and providential causes have been eliminated with close examination of the electrical system in the third floor apartment continuing.

Please keep these families in your prayers … and say another thank you to our firefighters for the work they do. I’ll keep you posted.