St. Francis Fire Department respond to apartment balcony collapse

ST. FRANCIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Earlier this evening, Aug. 17, St. Francis Fire Department received a report of an exterior balcony collapse near S. Whitnall Ave. and S. Kansas Ave. around 8 p.m. 

Fire Chief Nicholas Poplar held a press conference stating that fire personnel responded to the collapse immediately and found the exterior balcony collapsed into the lower-level basement entrance. 

The side of which the balcony collapsed has four units that gain access through the balcony and stairway. 

The occupants of the four units are all accounted for, three have been taken out by fire personnel - some using ladders. One person has been sheltered in place at this time in one of the lower units due to health issues but will be brought out as soon as possible. 

"The biggest thing in something like this is making sure that we are accountable for everybody," said Chief Poplar in the press conference. "Obviously, when we have structural debris and collapse, we want to account for everyone." 

Chief Poplar stated that the walls still standing have 'a slight bow to them' and that they are establishing a collapse area. After doing a structure assessment they determined that there is no immediate danger at this time. 

The chief stated that the apartment is a 24-unit building and everyone else can stay in the building apart from the four unit involved in the collapse. The Red Cross has been notified. 

No injuries have been reported. 

The chief says they inspect the buildings twice a year and that this is an active investigation.