At least 8 rescued in Waukesha apartment fire

Updated: 1:22 p.m. on October 17, 2018

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) – The Waukesha Fire chief says a fire near East Ave. and Cook St. started while someone was cooking shortly after midnight on Wednesday.

By late morning, portions of the building were boarded up and residents were unable to return home.

Eight people, some with mobility challenges, were rescued by fire crews and two were taken to the hospital.

Authorities say the fire started in a lower level apartment. The building had working fire alarms but smoke spread quickly through the halls.

"Smoke wasn't in the apartments but the hallways were compromised making it challenging for everyone to get out, especially when you have limited mobility, it makes it that much harder," Chief Steve Howard said. 

The Red Cross is helping the displaced. 

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Posted: 5:20 a.m. on October 17, 2018

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) – At least eight people were rescued from a fire early Wednesday morning in Waukesha.

According to the Waukesha Fire Department, the fire broke out around 12:16 a.m. near East Ave. and Cook St. in a two-story apartment complex.

Fire officials say many of the residents had mobility challenges, but everyone was rescued from the building. Two people were taken to the hospital and eight were treated on the scene.

Authorities say 21 people are temporarily displaced from the fire.

Fire officials believe the fire started in a kitchen but the cause remains under investigation.