This morning at 3:20 a.m. the MFD was sent for a report of a house fire at 2465 N. 38th Street. En route we were advised that there may be people still inside. Upon arrival we found heavy fire conditions on 2 floors of a 2 1⁄2 story wood frame occupied residence.

The fire had progressed and was igniting the houses to either side. Concurrent with our arrival were multiple explosions from the main fire building later found out to be exploding oxygen cylinders. A defensive operation was initiated and both exposure buildings were saved. Upon entry to the initial fire building 2 victims were discovered in a first floor bedroom closet. They appear to be a male and female in their late 20s.

A third victim was able to escape via a first floor window suffering numerous lacerations. That victim was treated and transported to the hospital by paramedics and is expected to survive. Reports on scene indicate that the two deceased victims may have been visiting the residence from Oklahoma to attend a funeral. A fourth individual is also reported to have escaped from the fire building and is being sought for questioning. No smoke alarms were heard sounding or found during examination of the building.

Milwaukee firefighters – along with Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing and Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Lipski – will go door-to-door in the neighborhood at 10 a.m. Friday checking for working smoke detectors and offering fire safety education. This is part of Project FOCUS (Firefighters Out Creating Urban Safety) where the Milwaukee Fire Department installs free smoke detectors for those in need.

If you are in need of a smoke detector, please call the Smoke Detector Hotline – (414) 286-8980 – to have one installed for free by the Milwaukee Fire Department.