Firefighters pulled an unconscious person from a burning home on Milwaukee’s northwest side Friday night after flames tore through the roof and sent thick smoke pouring from a rear window. Crews raced to the Thurston Circle area near N. 76th Street and W. Silver Spring Drive, where they found the house already heavily involved as neighbors looked on.
A large section of the roof was destroyed and at least one window was blown out as firefighters attacked the blaze and worked to keep it from getting worse. The Milwaukee Fire Department said the fire was eventually brought under control, and the cause remains under investigation.
According to CBS 58, crews forced their way through the front door after spotting heavy smoke and found the home’s occupant unconscious inside. Firefighters removed the person from the house so paramedics could begin treatment on the scene before transport to a nearby hospital. The outlet reported significant roof damage and a shattered back window as part of the aftermath. Officials had not released the occupant’s name or condition as of Friday night.
Recent Blazes Underscore The Danger
Friday’s fire comes on the heels of several serious house fires in Milwaukee. In late April, a kitchen blaze on the city’s north side left a woman dead, a stark reminder of how quickly a routine evening can turn deadly. That earlier story was covered as a late-April kitchen blaze in which firefighters said working smoke alarms were not present in the home. Fire officials continue to stress that functioning detectors and practiced escape plans are still the best defense when a fire breaks out.
How To Protect Your Household
The Milwaukee Fire Department offers free smoke alarm installation for city residents and runs a dedicated Smoke Alarm Hotline at 414-286-8980 for installation requests, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department. Officials recommend testing alarms every month, changing batteries once a year and making a clear escape plan so everyone in the household knows exactly how to get out if smoke is detected. Residents who need help or have questions about alarms can call the hotline to schedule an install.
The Milwaukee Fire Department and Milwaukee police continue to investigate what sparked Friday night’s blaze and have not released any additional information about the occupant’s condition. Hoodline will update this story if officials provide further details.
