Early this morning, a pre-dawn house fire on Buchanan Street near Hubbard Street turned into a high-stakes rescue, as Racine firefighters pulled six people, including four children, from the burning home. Crews were dispatched at about 6 a.m. and arrived to find people clinging to a second-floor window and others stranded on the front porch roof. One adult was lifted from the second-floor window by ladder in an unconscious state, and an officer was hurt when a victim jumped from the porch roof to the ground. All six were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to reporting by FOX6 News Milwaukee, firefighters removed two adults and four children from the home and quickly knocked down the blaze. First-arriving units reported making rescues from both the porch roof and a second-floor window as crews worked to stabilize the scene. The Racine Fire Department said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Victims Taken To Hospital
The Racine Fire Department said all six victims were transported to Ascension All Saints Racine. Ascension All Saints is the area's primary hospital for emergency care. The hospital has not released public details about the patients' conditions. After the blaze was knocked down, fire crews turned the property back over to the homeowners and left investigators on scene.
Investigation Under Way
The Racine Fire Department said investigators are working to determine how the fire started and have not released an official cause. Fire investigators typically examine the point of origin, check electrical and heating systems, and coordinate with utility companies when needed. In the wake of the fire, officials also urged residents to check their smoke alarms and review household escape plans.
Fire-Safety Reminder
Working smoke alarms significantly cut the risk of dying in a home fire, and federal data show many deadly residential fires occur where alarms are missing or not functioning, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. The USFA recommends installing alarms on every level of a home, testing them monthly, and replacing any unit older than 10 years. Residents who need help with alarms or who have information about the Buchanan Street fire can contact the City of Racine Fire Department.
The Racine Fire Department provided the initial information to local media. This story will be updated if officials release further details.
