Grafton police officers respond to smell of smoke; pull man from burning apartment

GRAFTON -- Grafton police officers are being praised for saving a man's life amid an early-morning fire on Saturday, October 21st.

According to the Grafton Fire Department, around 12:00 a.m., Grafton police officers were investigating an unrelated call when they smelled smoke at an apartment complex located on Delaware Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located smoke coming from an upstairs apartment window.

They made access to the apartment and quickly removed a man sleeping on a couch inside. He was uninjured. His dog was also rescued.

PHOTO GALLERY



Officers pulled the fire alarm to activate the building's alarm system and all residents were safely evacuated.

A short time later, flames were visible from the upstairs window. The fire was quickly extinguished by Grafton firefighters -- with assistance from firefighters from Cedarburg, Port Washington, Mequon, Thiensville, Fredonia and Saukville.

An investigation has revealed the fire may have been caused by a burning cigarette that ignited a mattress.

There was no damage to neighboring apartments. The fire was contained to the one bedroom, and the attached bathroom within the upstairs apartment.

There were no working smoke detectors within that apartment -- as police say the resident had disabled and removed them.

This matter is being referred to the Ozaukee County District Attorney's Office for review.

Damage is estimated at $100,000.