W. Hampton Ave. Closed in Aftermath of 5-alarm Fire at Former Tannery Building
Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt is asking that commuters find alternate routes while W. Hampton Ave. remains closed at N. 32nd St. in the wake of a massive, five-alarm fire at a multi-story brick former tannery facility located at N. 32nd St. and W. Hampton.
Alderwoman Pratt said Milwaukee Fire Department personnel remain on scene and are keeping W. Hampton Ave. and a portion of N. 32nd St. closed to traffic as they monitor the building. The fire, which broke out late yesterday (Wednesday, May 20) afternoon, destroyed the roofing and large portions of the building. Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski has said the building has no electrical power and the fire is of a “suspicious” origin.
Alderwoman Pratt said fencing is going up around the building perimeter today, and the structure will be demolished as soon as tomorrow. The debris removal process will then take up to 15 days to complete, she said, adding that the portion of W. Hampton Ave. (and N. 32nd St.) near the building will remain closed. The Milwaukee Health Department is monitoring air quality at the scene, the Alderwoman said.
“We are very lucky that no one was injured or killed in this catastrophic fire and partial building collapse, and I want to thank the Milwaukee Fire Department for their efforts in battling the flames and getting the chaotic scene under control,” the Alderwoman said. “I ask residents for patience as the demolition and debris removal moves forward.”
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.
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