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Second Fire in Months Hits Milwaukee U-Haul Storage Site

The repeat blaze highlights safety risks in compartment-style storage buildings, raising pressure on a pending raze permit.

Overview

  • The two-alarm blaze, which broke out Monday night, was brought under control around 10 p.m. with no injuries reported.
  • Crews arrived to smoke pouring from first- and second-floor windows and found active flames on the first floor near the back of the building.
  • Up to 45 firefighters responded to a large self-storage structure divided into many small units, a layout the fire chief said makes these fires harder to fight.
  • Heavy smoke reduced visibility and irritated eyes and lungs, and nearby residents were urged to stay indoors.
  • This was the second fire since January, when a five-alarm event burned for more than 13 hours, and investigators say the causes of both incidents remain under review as the owner’s raze permit sits with the city.