Overview
- A five-alarm blaze tore through a vacant former mill on Milwaukee’s north side the evening of Wednesday, May 20, forcing a defensive firefight because the building was unsafe and had no active gas or electric service.
- More than 100 firefighters battled heavy flames that caused partial collapses and left the multi-story brick-and-wood structure too dangerous to enter, so crews used water towers and an exterior attack to extinguish hotspots.
- Milwaukee police arrested a 22-year-old woman who officers say handled burning material that started the fire, and investigators will refer criminal charges to the Milwaukee County District Attorney while the Fire Department continues its origin investigation.
- Demolition contractors began tearing down remaining walls and removing debris, city inspectors installed fencing and closed nearby sidewalks and streets as crews expect weeks of cleanup and continued fire watch and air-quality monitoring.
- The building was owned by Holy Redeemer/Bishops Creek and had been part of a planned redevelopment for affordable housing, office space and a hotel, a loss that local leaders say will affect neighborhood investment and rebuild plans.