Flames tore through a mostly senior apartment complex on Milwaukee’s north side this week, filling hallways with heavy smoke and sending residents to the hospital. By Friday, police said they had a 48-year-old woman in custody on suspicion of starting the blaze. The three-story New Hampton Gardens building near 22nd Street and Hampton Avenue erupted in fire on Tuesday, forcing frantic rescues as firefighters hoisted ladders and pulled people from windows. At least seven residents were treated at area hospitals and one section of the complex has been ruled uninhabitable while cleanup and repairs get underway, according to FOX6.
Milwaukee police said officers arrested the 48-year-old suspect on Friday on allegations that she intentionally set the fire. Investigators said any criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office as they continue to piece together what happened, according to FOX6.
First responders evacuated dozens of residents and the American Red Cross set up an emergency shelter at the old McNair Elementary School for those who could not return home that night. Seven people were taken to hospitals, and officials said one woman was resuscitated at the scene while an 81-year-old victim remained in critical condition as crews continued rescue and recovery work. Roughly 80 units were deemed uninhabitable and about 188 residents were displaced, CBS 58 reported.
Sprinklers, Code And Inspection History
City and fire officials repeatedly pointed out that New Hampton Gardens did not have an automatic sprinkler system, a gap they say made the fire tougher to control. State law adopted in 1974 requires sprinklers in multifamily buildings taller than 60 feet, and officials said the three-story structure, built in 1979, sits below that mark and was effectively grandfathered under older standards. Local reporting has also highlighted recent inspection problems at the property, and the fire has renewed debate over whether older buildings should be retrofitted with sprinklers, as detailed by Spectrum News 1.
Officials Press For Fixes
Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski and city leaders used the blaze as a fresh warning on fire safety, calling for tougher enforcement and stronger requirements. “Here again, we have a building with no sprinklers,” Lipski said, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson urged property owners to be more proactive about protecting tenants. Their comments and broader calls for policy changes were reported by WISN…