MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Some Milwaukee police officers on Tuesday morning, February 4th were able to rescue residents from a burning apartment building.
The fire broke out shortly after 9:00 a.m. near 70th and Silver Spring.
Police Officer Andrew Moutry who was outside the District 4 station at 70th and Silver Spring pointed out smoke rising from an apartment building next door. Officer Moutry called dispatch to report the fire and called out to Officers Shalamar Leflore and Kenneth Daugherty to respond. They and other officers from District 4 ran over to the apartment building and began knocking on doors to alert the residents.
As the officers worked toward the center of the building the smoke got thicker.
Concerned there were occupants possibly overcome by the smoke, they began kicking in doors when no one answered to make sure the units were vacant. They continued going through the building to the second and third floors until they themselves were forced out by the smoke.
Responding fire units were able to finish the search of the apartment building and extinguish the fire. One person was transported to the hospital with a medical condition that may not be related to the fire.
The apartment is a multi-part building with several units destroyed by the fire and approximately 15 more units damaged by smoke and water.
The American Red Cross says it has opened a shelter after determining up to 30 people may need shelter, food, hygiene items and support after this fire.
That shelter is located at 5301 N. 91st Street in Milwaukee.