A fire today damaged the building that houses La Masa Empanada Bar on Milwaukee’s Brady Street, with firefighters seen working on the second floor. The popular East Side restaurant’s future is now uncertain while officials sort out what happened and how bad the damage is.
What we know
Video captured by a 12 News crew showed firefighters operating on the building near the intersection of North Arlington Place and East Brady Street, according to WISN. The station reports the structure that includes La Masa was damaged in the blaze and that there was no immediate word on injuries or what started the fire. Reporters with the station say they have reached out to the Milwaukee Fire Department for comment.
La Masa and the block
La Masa lists its Brady Street address on its website, making the East Side location the restaurant’s flagship. The business also opened a vendor at the Milwaukee Public Market earlier this year, as reported by OnMilwaukee. Owners and staff were not immediately available for comment on Sunday.
Why the block is vulnerable
Brady Street’s dense stretch of two- and three-story commercial buildings means smoke, water and even short closures can quickly affect neighbors. Glorioso’s Italian Market, another Brady Street mainstay, temporarily closed after a second-floor blaze and later reopened, as reported in coverage that rises from Brady Street fire. The mix of daytime businesses and a busy nightlife scene makes rapid response and clear reentry guidance especially important for nearby operators.
What comes next
Authorities have not released details about injuries, damage estimates or the cause; as reported by WISN, the situation is developing and reporters have reached out to Milwaukee Fire. Fire investigators typically determine origin and cause in the days after a structure blaze, and businesses will be allowed to re-enter only after inspectors clear the site. This story will be updated as officials and La Masa provide more information.
