Fire sweeps through West Allis apartment building, up to 90 residents displaced
WEST ALLIS -- As many as 90 people were displaced after fire swept through an apartment building in West Allis on Saturday morning, January 7th. Families needed to take a bus to a temporary shelter to get clothes and other supplies.
The fire broke out at the Morgan Grove Apartments complex around 7:00 a.m., just north of Highway 100 and Morgan Avenue.
Dozens of people were pushed out of their warm home.
Officials say the fire spread into the attic.
Fire at West Allis apartment complex
"Due to the amount of fire we had and the size of the building and the cold weather, we called for a second alarm right away," said Chief Jay Scharfenberg, West Allis Fire Department.
The 40-unit complex was evacuated and it may be several days until any residents are able to return.
The American Red Cross arrived on the heels of first responders.
"We're trying to make sure everyone has a warm place to be right now. I want to get them out of this cold weather," said Christopher Bach, American Red Cross.
Fire at West Allis apartment complex
Fire at West Allis apartment complex
Temperatures were in the single digits as families were forced to leave behind their belongings.
Fire at West Allis apartment complex
"A shelter is definitely on the table, but our first priority is to make sure everyone is out of the cold," said Bach.
Firefighters worked quickly to control the situation. And while most tenants would be able to return in a few days, the Red Cross would be assisting some families for days to come.
Fire at West Allis apartment complex
"I'd say we have about six apartments that are displaced long-term," said Chief Scharfenberg.
Fire at West Allis apartment complex
No residents were hurt, but one firefighter was injured. It's unknown how severe those injuries were.
The Red Cross was helping residents get a hotel room if they did not have any friends or family to stay with.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.