Fire spreads to 3 homes near 20th and Auer; all 3 deemed uninhabitable

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A fire broke out around 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, near 20th and Auer in Milwaukee, spreading from a home believed to be vacant to two neighboring houses, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department.

CBS 58

Officials report a 2.5 story duplex was on fire on all three floors, extending to the neighboring houses. Alisha Barr was asleep when her neighbor banged on her door to tell her there was a fire.

“The neighbor was about to kick in my door telling me there was a fire,” Barr said. “I went into panic and just tried to grab the kids. I’m still shocked right now.”

All three homes are reportedly uninhabitable. Crews with the American Red Cross assisted 8 people – 1 family of 4 and then 4 individuals -- left without a place to live. 

“I’m a single mother. I just try to give my kids the best and now I have to start all over,” Barr said.

No injuries were reported, and there is no confirmation as to how many individuals have been impacted.

Deputy Fire Chief Ron Firnrohr told reporters that crews were able to get the fires under control.

“These guys are pretty beat up,” Firnrohr said. This was an aggressive firefight. They did a remarkable job of containing it as far as they did.”

The cause is under investigation.

CBS 58