Fire Destroys Kenosha Teachers' Union Building

KENOSHA, WI — An early-morning fire Friday destroyed the Kenosha Education Association building, causing extensive damage.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at 5610 55th St. at about 3:30 a.m. Friday on a report of a fire. By 6 a.m. the fire was under control, but the damage was done.

According to media reports, about 30 firefighters battled the blaze as the fire climbed the building's walls and up into the attic.

The Kenosha Education Association building housed the area teacher's union, which represents teachers and staff in the Kenosha Unified School District.

The Kenosha fire chief told FOX6 News the fire started outside the building, spread up the wall, and into the attic. The roof of the building is completely gone.

Jill Jensen, President of the Kenosha Education Association, released the following statemen:

“Our Association of educators continues to assess the situation and will lose no time moving forward with our mission – supporting Kenosha educators so they are best prepared to welcome their students back to school. It’s still too early to tell the extent of damage from the early-morning fire at the Kenosha Education Association headquarters, but local teachers and support staff are thankful no one was harmed. Our appreciation goes out to the rescue crews that responded to keep our neighbors safe. We are overwhelmed by the absolute outpouring of support from teachers' unions across the state and nation and other unions, including the local United Auto Workers."

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