Milwaukee fatal fire; smoke detector present, not working

Latest on fatal Milwaukee fire

A smoke detector was present but not working at an apartment fire that resulted in the death of a 9-year-old girl on Servite Drive, officials said.

MILWAUKEE - A smoke detector was present but not working in a Milwaukee apartment fire that resulted in the death of a 9-year-old girl on N. Servite Drive on Sunday, Nov. 19, fire officials said.

Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski and Alderwoman Larresa Taylor spoke at a news conference on this fatal fire at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. Mayor Cavalier Johnson was unable to make the news conference but left a message with Lipski.

"The message to everyone today is very straightforward: take steps to reduce fire danger," Lipski said for the mayor.

Fatal fire on N. Servite Drive, Milwaukee

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office identified the girl who died as Aria Jacque. A woman in her 60s, now identified as Jacque's grandmother, has been reported in critical condition.

"It's going to take the effort of all of us working together to make sure that we're checking on our neighbors and making sure that they are okay and that things are okay in their surroundings as well," Taylor said.

Milwaukee Fire Department officials noted that landlords are required by ordinance to ensure their properties have working smoke alarms. Officials also indicated the unit that caught fire had extreme hoarding conditions in the apartment. They urge the public to clear pathways through structures, so rescuers can reach fire victims quickly.

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Milwaukee fatal fire update

A smoke detector was present but not working in a Milwaukee apartment fire that resulted in the death of a 9-year-old girl, fire officials said.

There remains an active investigation into what caused the fire.

"If we haven't said enough, please, please, please get a smoke alarm," Lipski said. "We can't emphasize this enough. This is a horrible loss for this family coming into the holiday season."

Need a smoke alarm?

If you are a Milwaukee resident in need of a smoke detector, you can call the Milwaukee Smoke Alarm Hotline at 414-286-8980. Arrangements will be made for firefighters to come to your residence and install a smoke alarm free of charge.