NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A dozen people were displaced and a resident and a firefighter were hurt in a fire at a Neenah apartment building.
Crews were called to 2116 Marathon Ave. around 12:15 p.m. Sunday for a report of a structure fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters saw a large amount of black smoke coming from the two-story building.
Officials learned the occupant of the second-story apartment unit where the fire originated, tried to extinguish it. In doing so, the resident suffered minor burns to their hands and face. They then evacuated with their 8-month-old child and called 911.
All other residents of the building made it out safely.
Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue says the fire was contained to the apartment of origin, however there was significant smoke damage to the apartments on the second floor, in addition to water damage to one apartment on the first floor, directly under where the fire took place. At this time, two apartment units have been determined to be uninhabitable.
After the initial fire was extinguished, firefighters learned the fire had spread to the attic area. Because of this, numerous holes were cut into the sides of the building to remove smoke from the attic.
A firefighter also injured their knee entering the apartment where the fire was located, when they tried to remove themselves from the extreme heat.
The apartment had working smoke detectors and the building’s fire alarm system operated as designed, however the building did not have a fire sprinkler system.
The fire caused about $400,000 worth of damage.
The cause was determined to be careless use of smoke material and is accidental in nature.
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