This browser does not support the Video element.
Brookfield house fire
Brookfield house fire
BROOKFIELD -- Firefighters battled flames and bitterly cold temperatures as they worked to put out a house fire in Brookfield on Tuesday morning, January 2nd. Five adults were displaced as a result of the fire.
Fire Chief Charlie Myers
The fire broke out around 7:00 a.m. at a home on Calhoun Road near Town Trail. Officials said one of the residents called 911 before everyone got to safety. A Brookfield police officer was the first on scene and reported the home was fully engulfed. It was brought under control shortly before 10:00 a.m.
"We got a call this morning about a reported fire with people inside. We do know the family was alerted and able to evacuate," said Brookfield Fire Chief Charlie Myers.
The fire appears to have started in the basement of the building. However, the cause of the fire hasn't yet been determined.
Five adults made it safely out of the home. Officials indicated one dog made it out of the home to safety. But another dog and several cats remained unaccounted for Tuesday.
Outside, temperatures hovered around zero. Chief Myers said the sub-zero wind chills weighed heavy on first responders and equipment.
"In the cold weather, all of the equipment works harder. It takes more effort to do firefighting in an aggressive manner," said Chief Myers.
As a result, Brookfield called in backup from the City of Pewaukee, Town of Brookfield and several other companies. A county truck was also on standby to lay salt -- and a school bus idled nearby.
"We get a lot of support. Our local bus company, First Student, came here to help us with a warming bus. You can see our Highway Department has been here," said Chief Myers.
Myers said they're are still sorting out what caused the fire -- but believes the home is a loss.
"When they arrived on scene, they had fire showing from the garage and from the rear of the structure," said Chief Myers.
Chief Myers said he's unsure whether the home had working smoke alarms and encouraged everyone to make sure their own home is protected.