Overview
- A major fire broke out at an industrial building under construction near S. 53rd Street and W. Rogers Avenue, producing thick black smoke and visible flames on the upper floors.
- Construction workers were seen evacuating from the roof toward emergency exits before fire crews arrived, and the Milwaukee Fire Department reported no injuries.
- Firefighters initially had trouble reaching the fire because it was concentrated near the top middle of the structure, and crews began applying water as additional trucks arrived.
- The building is planned to be West Allis’s new public works facility, listed at about 223,190 square feet and estimated to cost $65–80 million before the fire, raising concern about project delays and repair or replacement costs.
- City and fire officials are conducting structural damage checks and an investigation to determine the cause, and the next updates will address the extent of damage, insurance implications, and any impact on public works operations.