It has been an extremely busy month for the Milwaukee Fire Department after averaging more than two fires a day.
The department responded to more than 50 calls this month. Deputy Chief Erich Roden said this is one of the worst seasons he has ever seen.
"The cold is challenging, but we don't miss a beat with it. We make sure that we're ready for it," Roden said.
Thirty-four out of the more than 50 fires have required an extended amount of time to put out for Milwaukee firefighters.
"A lot of these fires have also gone to greater alarms, second alarms and above, fires we've had to call extra resources," Roden said.
Roden speculates the increase may be caused by more people spending time at home during the pandemic. He said some of these fires started from space heaters.