Milwaukee arson; 7 homes damaged, firefighter hurt, 7 displaced
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee police are investigating an arson that destroyed a vacant property and damaged six other homes late Tuesday night, Sept. 3 near Center and Bremen. One firefighter was taken to the hospital and seven people are displaced.
The Milwaukee Fire Department was dispatched to the scene around 11:20 p.m. for reports of a building fire.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found a two-and-a-half story building with fire showing on all three floors.
Center and Bremen, Milwaukee fire (Courtesy: Hedi Abba)
Residents impacted
"I stood up, I went outside and I said, ‘Oh my God, it’s a fire,'" said Dan McCubbin.
"It was just roaring over all the other streets," said Drake Kangas.
The home where the fire started collapsed.
"I was going to my bed and I saw a big orange glow throughout my window. I pulled up my blind and the building next door was on fire," said Patrick Tate.
Police say a suspect intentionally set a vacant house on fire around 11 p.m. Tuesday. That fire extended to six other residences.
Aftermath of arson near Center and Bremen, Milwaukee
"There was a fire about two years ago. They were rebuilding it and I think somebody set it on fire," McCubbin said.
Flames spread to six buildings – including where Tate lived.
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"For all the people it affected, it’s awful. I know a lot of people who don’t know where they’re going to stay tonight," Tate said.
Aftermath of arson near Center and Bremen, Milwaukee
Arson data in Milwaukee
Milwaukee police data shows there have been 129 arsons in 2024. That is down from this time in 2022 and 2023.
This fire was so intense, it led to a gas leak and neighborhood evacuation.
"We had our hose on. All these embers were coming towards my house," McCubbin said.
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Like his neighbors, Tate is picking up the pieces.
"I do know that any of the residents didn’t get injured. None of the pets got injured either. That’s what’s more important," Tate said.
Milwaukee police are seeking an unknown suspect or suspects in this case. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or P3 Tips.