Officials: Large fire on Milwaukee's south side claims 2 lives
1:06 p.m. on April 13, 2023
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office reports they were called to the scene of a large fire near 19th and Burnham Streets for two fire victims.
Autopsies have been scheduled.
Published: 4:35 p.m. on April 12, 2023
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Part of S. 19th St. on Milwaukee's south side was blocked off Wednesday night after several houses were destroyed in a fire.
The fire started around 4 p.m. at a home near S. 19th St. and Burnham St.
"So windy outside. So, I just checked out the window, and I saw the noise, where it was coming from, and I saw the house on fire," said neighbor Delia Velez, who told CBS 58 she heard a loud boom before seeing the fire.
High winds likely helped the spread of flames, which engulfed four houses.
"All four of them had extensive damage. Three of them are considered a total loss," said Battalion Chief Tom Sells with Milwaukee Fire Department.
Officials on scene said there is no word of injured residents or firefighters.
Crews believe everyone got out safely, but two individuals are still unaccounted for.
With high winds overnight and a lot of debris, crews are keeping the area closed off, and keeping an eye out for hot spots.
"We will have a Fire Watch here to just watch, just make sure that no fire starts up again," Sells said.
Due to the flames reaching near several power lines, We Energies shut off power for the entire neighborhood during the firefight.
Most power was restored by 9 p.m. Wednesday.