Greenfield apartment fire, tenants rescued, firefighter hurt

GREENFIELD, Wis. - An apartment fire in Greenfield displaced 15 people Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 2.

"At first, we just saw a bunch of smoke," said Liz Weil, who lives nearby. "Then you just see flames shooting out."

Firefighters used ladders to rescue at least two people when the fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. near 60th and Cold Spring. Two people were transported to the hospital, and another two people who were injured refused transport.

Additionally, one firefighter suffered minor injuries.

Greenfield apartment fire

"One of our squads radioed in. 'Hey, (we) did have someone hanging out a window,'" said Fire Chief Tom Konieczka. "Our fire units had a quick response time as well and shifted their priorities immediately to rescue when they got here."

With multiple apartments on fire, firefighters' immediate focus was on those stuck inside.

"For us, it’s one of the most tense situations you can have on the job, and our goal is to train as much as we can where we don’t get that adrenaline rush, and we come on scene and do our job," said Konieczka. "That’s what we’re here to do, and from what I saw, it was performed very nicely today by a number of crews."

The fire caused major damage to the building. 

The cause is under investigation.

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The Red Cross was called to help the displaced tenants.

"My heart breaks for the tenants," said Maria Hernandez, who lives in the building next door. "I'm praying for them. My faith is strong, so I'm really, really hoping they find peace right now because this is very, very difficult."

Greenfield apartment fire

"They're definitely on my mind," said Weil. "I'm glad everybody got out safe. Just hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight."

The Red Cross community partners will continue to provide resources and assistance to all those affected. Anyone still seeking assistance should call 1-800-RED-CROSS.