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Delafield apartment fire; 1 rescued, police say it's 'suspicious'

By FOX6 News Digital Team
Updated  September 13, 2024 5:20pm CDT
Delafield
FOX6 News Milwaukee

'Suspicious' apartment fire in Delafield

An apartment fire in Delafield leaves people in eight units trying to find a different place to stay, and police now confirm to FOX6 that the fire is suspicious.

The Brief

    • A Delafield apartment building was damaged by fire on Thursday night, Sept. 12.
    • All residents have been displaced. One person was rescued from the building by firefighters.
    • The cause is under investigation, and Delafield police say it is 'suspicious.'

DELAFIELD, Wis. - An apartment fire in Delafield leaves people in eight units trying to find a different place to stay.

Police now confirm to FOX6 that the fire is suspicious.

Fire officials say they were called to this building after an "electrical burning smell." Crews are still trying to determine the cause.

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Daylight view of the damage to the apartment building

From his balcony, Nate Eckhart watched in horror as the building next door burned.

"We look out and see smoke coming out of there and fire trucks lined up in the cul-de-sac there," Nate said.

Delafield police say it happened just before 11 p.m. Thursday night, Sept. 13, on Vista Park Ct. It’s an eight-unit apartment building.

Firefighters got everyone out, including a woman and her dog who were trapped on the second floor.

"We saw them putting the ladder through the window and stuff," Nate added.

The fire lit up the night sky, courtesy: Mary Ebert

Lake Country Fire and Rescue told FOX6 that heavy smoke in the hallway made it difficult for the woman to find her way, so they pulled her out.

Investigators say the fire quickly spread to the attic.

"It was unbelievable. It was shooting up above the building and above the trees," said neighbor Mary Ebert. "Everything was jampacked with squads and fire engines and everything."

She says it’s not even the first time this week that police were at this building.

Delafield police would not comment beyond saying the fire is quote, "suspicious."

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Aftermath of the fire

The State Fire Marshal, Lake Country Fire and Rescue, Western Lakes, Delafield Police and Waukesha Police continued to search the building on Friday, Sept. 13.

"I feel a little more vulnerable than I did yesterday. I don’t normally walk around feeling that way," Mary added.

The woman and dog rescued from the building were not hurt.

Firefighters tell FOX6 one person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The Red Cross says renters in four units will be displaced "long term."

The Source

  • City of Delafield Police Department and Lake Country Fire and Rescue

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