Fire at Kenosha Steel Castings leaves neighbors uneasy

KENOSHA (WITI) -- An early morning fire at Kenosha Steel Castings on Saturday, August 23rd leaves many nearby residents on edge. No one was hurt, but the fire was just too close for some homeowners.

It was a wake-up call Alex Ortega didn't expect Saturday morning.

"One of my neighbors called me and it was 5:30 in the morning. They said near to the building, there was a fire," said Ortega.

Ortega owns "D-A-S Auto Repair," just a stones-throw away from Kenosha Steel Castings -- butting right up to his business, and a half a dozen of his customers cars.

That wasn't the only neighbor to experience a close call on Saturday morning, in fact a lot people living in the area say it's an all too common occurrence.

For Luann Ruetten, it isn't just where she works, it's where she lives. The Foundry is in her backyard.

"The first thing I thought was we are going to have to evacuate.  I've seen that place orange-glowing every night and it's kind of a scary thing," said Ruetten.

She ran outside snapping several images that show just how many crews responded to the scene.

"At least 5 firetrucks.  Zion was here also.  And ambulances in case - that's all I could see," said Ruetten.

FOX6 News has obtained photos of the blaze.



Ruetten says workers are at the foundry 24/7.

"They make big metal parts.  Mold metal parts.  When they drop them on the ground, you can feel it for a block," Ruetten said.

According to the company's website, some castings weigh in at 85-hundred pounds. Still Ruetten says that's nothing compared to the fear that's now weighing on her mind.

"It's kind of scary," said Ruetten.

FOX6 News reached out to Kenosha Steel Castings for comment, but have not heard anything back.