Menomonee Falls building fire; small explosions noted
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. - Menomonee Falls firefighters battled a fire following multiple explosions at a business on Carmen Avenue Sunday evening, April 14.
Firefighters say they could see the smoke as they left the fire station near Pilgrim and Silver Spring – a mile away. One homeowner told FOX6 News a loud explosion made her run to the window to see what was going on.
Menomonee Falls building fire, Carmen Avenue (Courtesy: Steve Taggart)
"The first thing I thought of was – we closed the windows," said Gloribel Kees.
Kees was worried about black smoke and flames that were shooting from Acros Sales and Engineering in Menomonee Falls.
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The first crews arrived on the scene around 7:25 p.m. Sunday. Menomonee Falls Fire Chief Joe Pulvermacher said it started with an explosion.
Menomonee Falls building fire, Carmen Avenue (Courtesy: Steve Taggart)
"As far as the source of that explosion, whether it be something inside or supplied to the building, we’re not sure yet," Pulvermacher said.
Investigators said the building was empty Sunday night. Nobody was hurt. But the loud noise that started all of it was just the beginning.
"We’re pretty sure that the business had some propane tanks inside for some of its other operations. It’s those tanks that we were hearing – the smaller explosions that were happening once we arrived on scene," Pulvermacher said.
Menomonee Falls building fire, Carmen Avenue (Courtesy: Steve Taggart)
Fire crews from as far away as Ozaukee and Milwaukee counties came to help. Pulvermacher said it took nearly an hour-and-a-half to get the fire under control. Firefighters also tested the air quality to make sure whatever was burning was not hazardous.
"We have investigators looking into cause and origin. Nothing right now that is coming across as being suspicious, but we are always keeping an eye out for something that does seem out of the ordinary," Pulvermacher said.
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The fire chief estimates the building is a total loss. He said smoke and a series of explosions gave even veteran firefighters a reason to worry.
"We need to be afraid of fire. We need to at least give it its due regard because it’s hazardous," Pulvermacher said.
Menomonee Falls building fire, Carmen Avenue (Courtesy: Steve Taggart)
Workers across the street told FOX6 News off camera they heard the noise while working Sunday night. One came out and called 911.
Others credit firefighters for keeping the flames contained to just one business. The building is very close to several others.
Assistance was received from Wauwatosa, Merton, Butler, City of Brookfield, Germantown, Elm Grove, New Berlin, Pewaukee, Southern Ozaukee Fire and EMS, Menomonee Falls Police Department, Department of Public Works, and the Water Utility.