APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – It’s not every day Appleton resident Cindy Wald uses the stairs in the Yellow Ramp to get to her car.
“Yeah, I usually take the elevator, because a few weeks ago, well a couple months ago, I did have surgery on my foot.”
But on Monday, she didn’t have a choice.
Appleton Police Officer Megan Cash tells FOX 11 both elevators in the Yellow Ramp are damaged from a fire Saturday morning.
“Our fire department and police department made sure nobody was in those areas or were impacted by that. It could have caused serious damage or hurt somebody.”
Cash said investigators have looked at security cameras and are trying to figure out what caused the flames.
“We don’t have damage estimates yet, but it’s going to be an extensive cost to repair. The city has insurance for that,” said Chad Doran with the City of Appleton.
Doran tells FOX 11 the same morning of the fire, there were reports of another fire in the Green Ramp.
“Crews checked and said the damage was minimal so, it can be continued to be in operation.”
To help those that need the elevator, the city plans to create handicap parking spots on the third floor of the Yellow Ramp.
That way, people can go through the skywalk which connects to City Center.
As for Wald, she has a plan of her own.
“I think I’m going to have to come earlier so I can get on the first floor,” Wald said.
City officials say one of the elevators will reopen in 6 to 8 weeks. The other will shut down indefinitely.
Anyone with information is asked to call Appleton Police at (920) 832-5500.
