Milwaukee firefighters responded to Milwaukee's "ill-secured, long-vacant Northridge Mall" Wednesday, Aug. 10 for the fourth fire in less than three weeks.
Wednesday's fire was upgraded to a second alarm due to the size and "decrepit condition of building." Fire officials said fast work by first responders brought the fire under control. When firefighters arrived, smoke was pouring from the old food court area.
"This is extremely important because advanced fire in this building is a firefighter killer, and that's very well known in the fire service," said Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski. After putting out the fire, officials began a search of the "massive structure."
A similar incident happened back on July 19. That fire was arson, and damage was estimated at approximately $200,000. Lipski said his firefighters reported it was "one of the hottest fires they've ever fought."