Racine fires; illegal fireworks suspected as ignition source
RACINE, Wis. - Racine fire officials say illegal fireworks may have sparked two fires – a house fire and a garage fire – on Tuesday evening, July 4.
The house fire happened near the intersection of Kewaunee and Superior streets. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday for a report of smoke and flames in the attic of the home. All the residents evacuated the building before the first crew arrived. The fire was deemed under control within 20 minutes.
Officials say the fire damage was limited to the attic with moderate damage to the underside of the roof.
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Smoke alarms were present, but not working, officials said.
House fire on Kewaunee Street, Racine
Again, Racine fire officials say it is highly probable that the fire was caused by an ignition source from illegal fireworks. While the firefighters were on the scene, a constant sound of illegal, commercial grade fireworks could be seen and heard.
"To be honest it’s a little unnerving at times," said Dave Nagl, Racine Fire Department investigator. "I can only imagine what was going on before that. And there was also evidence of fireworks in other neighbors’ yards."
Dave Nagl, Racine Fire Department investigator
Garage fire
Within five minutes of being released from the house fire, firefighters were sent to an attached garage fire near 6th Avenue and Shoreland Drive on Racine's north side. All residents evacuated the home before the fire department arrived.
"They put those fireworks in a container and then put that container in the garage unfortunately," Nagl said.
Garage fire near 6th and Shoreland, Racine
When crews arrived, smoke was coming from the garage. The fire was brought under control within eight minutes.
The fire damage was limited to the attached garage only which sustained moderate damage. Very light smoke was evacuated from the home by fire crews using a fan.
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The cause of the fire was previously ignited fireworks that were put into the garage, officials said.
Nobody was hurt.
Properly disposing of fireworks
Racine fire officials say fireworks are very hot and can hold heat long after the fireworks are ignited.
"Get preferably a metal container filled with water and submerge those fireworks in it away from a structure. Leave them in it overnight, and the next day wrap them a couple times in plastic," Nagl said.
Officials say allow them to soak overnight, and then double wrap them in plastic so that they do not dry out. Place the wrapped spent fireworks in the regular household garbage or take them to a waste facility.