Racine Apartment Fire Displaces Residents, Could Be Total Loss

RACINE, WI — A 16-unit apartment building in Racine could be a total loss after it went up in flames late Friday evening, according to a news release from the Racine Fire Department.

Several residents were displaced in the fire at The Maples apartments on 2300 Anthony Lane, and no citizens were injured, but five firefighters did have minor injuries from slipping or tripping because of the icy conditions as it was only seven degrees outside, the news release said.

Firefighters who were first on scene found heavy smoke and fire conditions in the basement of the building that were rapidly spreading to the first and second floors. A search for the victims was challenging, the news release said. Almost an hour into the firefighting efforts, all firefighters were ordered to evacuate because a hole was found burned through a first-floor apartment and concerns were raised about structural stability, but operations stayed into early morning Saturday.

Additional firefighters were called in from Oak Creek, Caledonia and the South Shore Fire Departments to assist in the firefighting efforts, and all off-duty Racine firefighters were called in to bolster the response and staff empty stations, according to the news release.

The Red Cross was called in to assist displaced residents. Damages to the building, a total loss, measured $433,000. Damage to the contents of the building measured $200,000.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.