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‘Very stressful’: Resident among those displaced by Pewaukee apartment fire recalls ordeal

One resident and a responding police officer sustained minor injuries. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment.
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Village of Pewaukee, Wis. — Crews responded to a fire at a 16-unit apartment building in the Village of Pewaukee on Friday.

The fire broke out just before 2 p.m. near Morris Street and Ridgeway Drive.

The property manager said eight units were damaged by the fire.

"It's going to be an adventure ahead,” resident Bonnie Wieselmann said.

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Wieselmann is one of at least a dozen people displaced after flames tore through their apartment building Friday afternoon.

"We saw smoke at first, and then all of a sudden, the balcony upstairs had flames going up," Wieselmann explained.

Watch: Two hurt, multiple displaced in Pewaukee apartment fire

Two people hurt and multiple displaced after Pewaukee apartment fire

The Pewaukee Fire Department battalion chief told TMJ4 the fire started on the first floor of a unit, spread to the unit above, and then to the attic.

"You don't expect to see that when you open your hall door,” Wieselmann said.

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Wieselmann and her neighbors were able to get out quickly as the flames continued to spread.

“The flames were coming out of his apartment. Literally flames coming out of his apartment,” resident Julie Wandsnider said.

Wandsnider called 9-1-1 and pulled the fire alarm.

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"I just kept telling them everything was on fire. And they were like, ‘Get out, get out, get out,’” Wandsnider said.

One resident and a responding police officer sustained minor injuries. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment.

“We made sure everybody on our side was out before we left or even walked down. I know who works, who doesn't. We're kind of a little community here,” Wandsnider explained.

The Red Cross was on the scene to assist displaced residents.

As for the investigation, Pewaukee Police said they believe the fire was accidental, but it’s still under investigation.


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