Statement on fatal fire, importance of working smoke alarms

Saturday morning a tragedy occurred in the 13th District when a house fire near South 15th Place and West Oklahoma turned fatal and cost a 25-year-old man his life. I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the individual who passed during this trying time.

The Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) determined that there were no working smoke alarms on the property. Smoke alarms are proven to save lives, and can provide those crucial extra seconds needed to make sure everyone can evacuate a building quickly and safely. I would implore residents of my district, and all of Milwaukee, to take a few seconds to check your smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly. If needed, you can request one to be delivered and installed for free by calling the MFD using the Smoke Alarm Hotline at (414) 286-8980.

In the wake of this event, I will be joining the MFD this afternoon to canvas the nearby neighborhood in which the fire occurred to offer fire safety materials, check for working smoke alarms and install new ones as needed. I want to thank the MFD for their efforts in responding to this incident, and for their diligence in providing community outreach across the city. Their work helps make our community a safer place.