Woman dies, more than 40 displaced after Sheboygan apartment fire

SHEBOYGAN -- Fire officials say a woman died as a result of a fire at the Embers Apartments on South Business Drive in Sheboygan early Sunday, August 21st.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene around 4:20 a.m. More than 40 residents from the building were displaced.

Fatal fire at the Embers Apartments in Sheboygan

Michael Smith and Andrew Aguilar are just two of the people who call the Embers Apartments home. They are astonished to see how their lives have changed in just a matter of moments. Aguilar peaked out from his home after hearing crackling outside.

"That vehicle was on fire and flames are being shot out from the house," Aguilar said.

Fatal fire at the Embers Apartments in Sheboygan

Aguilar immediately called for help -- and tried to rescue his neighbors.

"I was concerned about safety. I have family members living here as well a cousin of mine," Aguilar said. "She has a baby right next door as well. I was worried about getting her up and out. I called the police department and started knocking on doors."

Fatal fire at the Embers Apartments in Sheboygan

"We noticed a well-involved fire on the north side of this building. We immediately started our fire extinguishing activities and immediately started calling for additional help because of the size and scope of the fire," said Battalion Chief Keith Risse of the Sheboygan Fire Department.

Firefighters knocked down the fire in about 30 minutes. As Sunday morning went on, crews had to put out hot spots.

The apartments were once a motel, then converted into single unit efficiency apartments. They provided cost-effective housing for those in need.

The state fire marshal has been called in to investigate the cause of the fire.

Fatal fire at the Embers Apartments in Sheboygan