'It was terrifying': House fire forces evacuations near 38th and Vliet
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A house fire on Milwaukee’s west side forced several residents and nearby businesses to evacuate Monday afternoon.
For neighbors near 38th and Vliet Street, the afternoon was disrupted by flames shooting from the rear of the residence.
“It was terrifying,” said Ian Robinson, owner of Pete’s Pops.
Just before 1 p.m., Milwaukee firefighters responded to the near west side for a reported house fire. Viewer video showed heavy flames coming from the structure.
“Flames well over top of the building, so it’s shocking. I’ve never seen anything like that,” said Robinson.
Robinson said people inside the home and nearby businesses evacuated quickly.
“All I could think of was getting everybody out of the building,” said Robinson.
The fire caused significant damage to the rear and upper portion of the home, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department. Firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading to nearby businesses.
“A whole lot of stuff happening all at the same time, but so far, no reported injuries for our firefighters or civilians,” said Chief Operations Huyler Belott with the Milwaukee Fire Department.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.