Racine apartment building fire on Washington Avenue

Racine apartment fire

Racine firefighters battled a fire at an apartment building on Washington Avenue just east of Taylor Avenue on Monday, Dec. 18.

RACINE, Wis. - Racine firefighters battled a fire at an apartment building on Washington Avenue just east of Taylor Avenue on Monday, Dec. 18.

The building, which caters to seniors and others on restricted incomes, was evacuated safely. The Racine Fire Department said no residents or firefighters were hurt.

The American Red Cross set up a shelter for residents at Grace Church in Racine. Food and other essentials will be provided.

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They said by the time the fire was put out, more than two dozen people were without homes. Fire officials said Tuesday roughly 30 residents across 26 units have been displaced.

Sid Pinabella lives down the street with her husband.

Racine apartment fire on Washington Ave.

An apartment on Washington Avenue in Racine started on fire, sending thick black smoke into the sky on Monday, Dec. 18. Video credit Rachel Lynn.

"I turned my head. there was black smoke," said. "I was scared to death."

Pinabella said she and her husband have a friend who lives in the apartment building.

Racine apartment building fire on Washington Avenue (Credit: Alice Hanson)

"As far as I know, he’s doing okay," Pinabella said. "He’s shaken up because he was working from home for the day."

People were seen going back into the apartment building to get what they could, including pets.

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It's currently unclear what started the fire. The fire department said the damage is estimated at $750,000.

Editor's note: This story was updated Dec. 19 with details from the Racine Fire Department.