Daijiworld Media Network - Milwaukee
Milwaukee, May 12: A devastating fire tore through a four-story apartment building in Milwaukee’s Concordia neighborhood early Sunday morning, leaving four people dead, dozens injured, and hundreds displaced.
The fire, which broke out before 8 am on May 11, forced terrified residents to leap from windows and balconies in a desperate attempt to escape. “You got people jumping out of the building, people jumping off the fourth floor,” said resident Emerald Gransberry, whose apartment quickly filled with smoke before flames engulfed the hallway.
The Milwaukee Fire Department said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. In a statement, it expressed sorrow over the tragedy and praised the bravery and swift response of firefighters from across the region. About 30 fire trucks responded to the five-alarm inferno.
Firefighters rescued at least 30 residents using ladders, while medics performed CPR and rushed the injured to hospitals. Four victims remain in critical condition.
According to local affiliates WTMJ and WISN, the building did not have a working sprinkler system. While it was not legally required to have one being built before 1974 fire officials and residents are questioning outdated fire safety regulations.
Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski voiced frustration over the lack of mandatory retrofitting in older buildings. “Nobody was required to go back and make that building fire safe. And you result with this today,” he said. “I’m not sure what people think is more expensive right now—installing sprinklers or losing lives.”
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson visited the site, calling it a heartbreaking day for the city. “I spoke with both firefighters and displaced residents and heard about a number of dramatic escapes and rescues,” he said. “My thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.”
The Red Cross is currently assisting hundreds of displaced residents, as emergency crews continue recovery operations.
In 2021, Wisconsin updated its fire code to mandate sprinkler systems in most new multi-unit buildings, but existing older structures were not included. The Concordia fire has reignited calls for stricter safety regulations.