Early morning fire damages home near 69th & Oklahoma

MILWAUKEE -- Fire officials responded to the scene of a house fire early Thursday morning, January 3rd near 69th and Oklahoma.

Authorities say the call came in around 2:16 a.m. after an elderly couple, who resided in the house, awoke to the smell of smoke.

According to police, a woman who lived inside the home awoke to the smell of smoke, and shortly after, the smoke detector went off. The couple told police they immediately called 911, gathered some belongings and exited the home safely.

After the coupled exited the home they saw the rear of the house on fire.

At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown, however, officials believe the fire started in a garbage cart behind the house and then spread to the house. It is unclear at this time how the fire started in the garbage cart.

Authorities are estimating the damage at $30,000.