Firefighters go door-to-door, check homes for working smoke alarms
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee firefighters are going door-to-door on Monday, March 22 -- checking smoke detectors after a fatal fire near 15th and Oklahoma over the weekend.
It was a devastating fire on Saturday morning. Investigators say it took 14 minutes to find the man trapped inside -- because the basement, first floor and second floor were filled with items. Firefighters described it as a hoarding situation.
25-year-old Rafael Gonzalez was found dead inside the home.
In an interview with FOX6 News on Sunday, Gonzales' mother said her son had special needs -- and was found under a stuffed animal. Family members dispute the notion this was a hoarder situation. They say the family was in the process of moving and planned to throw a lot of stuff out.
Rafael Gonzalez
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Investigators said there were no working smoke alarms inside the home. On Monday, they went door-to-door -- checking smoke alarms in the neighborhood -- and installing new ones if necessary.
Gonzalez's family is now raising money to cover funeral expenses.
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