City Issues Structural and Damage Assessment Following August 20 Three‑Alarm Fire at Future DPW Facility
WEST ALLIS, WIS – Following inspections by the City Engineer and Director of Public Works, structural experts, architects, restoration teams, and insurance representatives, the City of West Allis is providing an early update on the fire that occurred last week at the new municipal building project. It’s important to note, as originally stated, all individuals at the site were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Overall Condition: The fire was contained primarily to the roof area above the second‑floor parking garage. While the damage is significant in that location, it is far less extensive than first feared. Office areas on the second-floor experienced smoke and debris, but there is no observed water damage. Main Areas Impacted • Second‑floor parking garage (Area 2D): Observations to date include damage to the roof’s metal decking, numerous conduits, drainage pipes, and several light fixtures. Water drained into the first‑floor garage (Area 1D) during fire containment, prompting additional evaluation of the stone base beneath the future concrete slab.
• Second‑floor office areas (2A and 2B): Both areas have smoke residue and debris, with Area 2B most affected, and will require high‑level cleaning and potential rework of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and finishes.
• First‑floor office areas (1A and 1B): No visible fire-related damage was identified during initial inspections. Structural Review: A third-party structural engineering firm inspected the structural components on August 24. Their formal report is expected early next week and will confirm whether any structural repairs are needed. Restoration and Insurance: A restoration contractor has begun work in heavily affected areas, focusing first on Area 2B. The project’s insurance team has recommended testing for combustion byproducts to more precisely determine what materials must be cleaned or removed in Areas 2A and 2B.
City Engineering Summary: The City Engineer reports a more encouraging picture than immediately following the fire, and while there is significant work ahead, the damage appears manageable. The team expects to have a clearer understanding of the schedule impact as the remaining evaluations are completed.
Next Steps: Individual trades along with product manufacturers—roofing, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, precast, and others—must still evaluate their systems for damage and warranty impacts. Construction work is continuing in areas cleared for activity, including exterior site work, and 24/7 security has been brought on site. Schedule Impact: The fire is expected to impact the project schedule, although the full extent of that impact cannot yet be determined. Based on information available today, the City and VJS Construction Services anticipate the delay will be measured in months. A more detailed schedule will be developed as final assessments are completed, and availability of replacement materials is confirmed.
“Our focus now is on moving the project forward responsibly,” said Jake Jorgensen of VJS Construction Services. “We’re working closely with the City, its consultants, our trade partners and the insurance team to address the impacts, keep work progressing where possible and develop a plan for the work ahead.”
Fire Investigation Update The West Allis Fire Department completed its preliminary investigation on the day of the incident and has since returned to the site twice to conduct follow‑up interviews and additional investigative activities. These return visits allowed investigators to clarify witness statements and verify information gathered during the initial on‑scene assessment once the affected areas were safe to access.
The on‑site portion of the investigation is now finished, and the property has been formally released back to the construction team. No areas are being held by the Fire Department, and the investigation is not expected to result in any additional construction delays.
Investigators are finalizing the written report, with completion anticipated by the end of the day Friday. The City is also awaiting a supplemental report from the Milwaukee Fire Department, whose investigators assisted during the initial response. If required, incorporation of that report may extend final completion into early next week.
At this time, no official findings regarding cause are available for public release, and the incident remains under investigation.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by City of West Allis
