76-year-old in critical condition after 2-alarm fire at Cambridge Apartments

TJ Dysart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The fire occurred Sunday just after 8:45 p.m.
The fire occurred Sunday just after 8:45 p.m.

Milwaukee Police say a 76-year-old is in critical condition after a two-alarm fire Sunday night at the Cambridge Apartments near Cambridge and Oakland Ave.

Police said the call came in shortly after 8:45 p.m. Milwaukee Fire Dept. Deputy Chief Michael Cieciwa said the fire was put out just before 9:20 p.m.

Cieciwa said it started as a one-alarm fire that was thought to be on the fifth floor of the residence, but was later discovered to be on the tenth floor.

Residents on the four floors above the tenth floor were trapped as MFD put out the fire.

The Cambridge Apartments, located on the East Side of Milwaukee primarily houses senior residents.
The Cambridge Apartments, located on the East Side of Milwaukee primarily houses senior residents.

Cieciwa said because the building primarily houses senior residents, it took longer than usual to evacuate everyone to safety.

The American Red Cross Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter has set up a shelter to provide food, water and comfort for displaced residents at 3045 N. Martin Luther King JR Drive.

Jennifer Warren, regional communications director for Red Cross Wisconsin said 53 residents from the Cambridge Apartments are already utilizing the shelter.

Warren said residents of 91 units in the building were displaced.

Anyone who is looking for shelter can call the Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS.

Milwaukee Police are investigating the cause of the fire. Anyone with information is asked to call them at 414-935-7360 or contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Cambridge apartment fire leaves 76-year-old critically injured

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