Tag Archives: South Milwaukee garage fire

Here is the update from South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter on the blaze early Saturday morning at 918 Marquette Ave. …

At approximately 3:56 AM this morning, South Milwaukee Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from a tenant at 2315 10^th Avenue (the office / condo building at 10^th & Marquette) reporting a garage on fire to the rear of their building.  The actual location of the garage was to the rear of 918 Marquette Avenue.  When SMPD & SMFD units arrived, they encountered a well-involved detached garage with fire impinging on a vehicle parked adjacent to it.  Fire had already consumed the side entrance door, part of the overhead door and was venting through the roof.  In addition, the electrical service line supplying power to the residence at 916 Marquette had burned through and was lying in the alley behind the garage, limiting access to the scene.  Assistance was provided to SMFD by an engine company from Cudahy.

 The fire was extinguished and is currently under investigation by SMFD. The owner of the property was notified and was present at the scene during fire department operations and the subsequent investigation.

 Due to the structure having masonry side walls, the exterior of the building is still intact.  However, a majority of the roof structure and the contents of the garage are a total loss.  In addition, the vehicle parked next to the garage received significant heat/flame damage to the driver’s side.

Update: Here is another photo of the fire, and here is video.

Firefighters believe a car and garage fire in the 2800 block of Chicago Avenue on Sunday night was arson. Here are updates I got from Acting South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter … 

At approximately 9:22PM last evening, the fire department responded to a report of a vehicle on fire inside a garage to the rear of 2800 South Chicago Avenue.  Upon arrival of FD units, the interior of the garage was fully involved in fire.  During the extinguishment of this fire, SMFD was notified of a vehicle located in the alley next to 1208 Manistique Avenue that appeared to have an attempt made to light the glove box on fire.  Due to the suspicious circumstances of both fires, the PD called in the State Fire Marshall’s Office to assist in the investigation. … Damage to the garage and vehicle is extensive with little chance of salvage.  No injuries were reported.

After a very detailed scene investigation, investigators determined that the fire that destroyed the mini-van and garage late last night and the small fire that damaged the nearby car were intentionally set. It is my understanding that SMPD is continuing the investigation at this time.

I’ll keep you posted.