Officials release name of man critically injured in fire in Waukesha

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- Officials have released the name of the individual critically injured following a fire in Waukesha on Friday night, February 14th.

Neighbors say 34-year-old Michael Coyle jumped from the home in the 1000 block of Motor Avenue in Waukesha to save himself from the flames. Officials say he was the only one in the home at the time of the fire.

He is listed in critical condition at an area burn unit.

"He dove into the snow like it was a swimming pool," said neighbor John Quartillo. "I ran upstairs to get wet blankets and ran out to set it on him. He just looked like the skin was peeling off of him."

The fire began around 9:30 p.m. at the home near Motor and S. Washington Ave. The flames were so intense, siding on nearby homes melted. Neighbors were evacuated as a precaution.

"Stuff started blowing up and popping. It just seemed like it took off really, really quick," said Quartillo.

The City of Waukesha Fire and Police Departments and the State Fire Marshal's Office continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

Officials say the origin of the fire has been identified as the two-car garage.

Coyle, the victim in this blaze, is accused of putting a pen camera in the bathroom of a swimming school in Waukesha, where he was a part-time instructor.

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