Update: Further investigation has shown the fire began in the kitchen, but a cause could not be determined. And the firefighter suffered a neck strain, was released from the hospital and returned to work.
Some tragic news just ahead of Christmas …
Please keep the family of the victim — and the injured firefighter — in your prayers.
Here is the report from South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter:
At approximately 1:26 this afternoon, the South Milwaukee Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 call of smoke coming from the back of the house at 1609 Manitowoc Avenue. Upon the arrival of SMFD units, smoke was seen issuing from the house and the windows were heavily stained from the heat and smoke. The level of response was immediately upgraded to a Working Still which brings in mutual aid crews from Cudahy, St. Francis and the 128th Air Guard. Oak Creek Fire Department was unavailable to respond.
SMFD firefighters forced entry into the locked front door of the single-family ranch home and encountered heavy smoke and moderate heat conditions. A neighbor reported that there may be one male occupant that would probably still be in the house. While conducting their primary search of the house and advancing a hoseline, SMFD crews encountered a fire in the kitchen and discovered the sole male occupant who was unresponsive and obviously deceased. The fire was controlled, ventilation efforts initiated and the extension of the fire stopped while the rest of the dwelling was searched. No other occupants were found in the house.
Due to the fatality, the State Fire Marshall’s Office (SFMO) was notified and is responding to the scene at this time. SMFD and South Milwaukee Police remain on the scene conducting the initial stages of their investigation awaiting the arrival of the SFMO. The area of origin appears to be in the kitchen with the cause of the fire yet undetermined at this early stage of the investigation.
The sole male occupant, Age 80, has been identified but his identity is being withheld until his next of kin can be notified.
One member of the fire department did receive a shoulder injury and is currently being evaluated at St. Luke’s – South Shore Hospital.
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