6 people die in a fire at an apartment complex in Hartland; a criminal investigation is underway
A fire in the village of Hartland killed six people early Friday morning, though initial reports indicated that seven people died.
The fire took place at a four-family apartment building at 704 Mansfield Court in the village, Hartland Police Chief Torin Misko said during a morning news conference at the scene. A report of a fire came in about 5:11 Friday morning. Upon arrival, the Hartland Police Department and Fire Department helped evacuate individuals from inside the actively burning building and from balconies.
Misko during an afternoon news conference confirmed six victims, not seven, had been found at the complex.
A total of 15 fire departments and nine police departments responded with mutual aid. No victims' ages or any other information was able to be provided at the news conference around 10 a.m. Friday. By mid-afternoon one side of the apartment complex was completely burned while the other side appeared almost untouched.
"This is a tragic incident for the community and for the first responders involved," Misko said. "We ask that the community respect the privacy of the families and refrain from visiting or coming to the immediate area."
Misko added that a criminal investigation is underway but was unable to confirm if investigators believe the fire was set intentionally or maliciously.
Village leaders expressed shock and sadness at the morning's events and said they had more questions than answers as of midday Friday.
"Everybody's in shock," village Trustee Ann Wallschlager said. "For something like this to happen in our village, it’s very heartbreaking."
Village President Jeffrey Pfannerstill sought prayers.
"This is a really tragic, tragic day," he said.
Wallschlager said village residents are waiting for news of who was affected and how they can help.
"I was born and raised here," she said. "This is a community that really sticks together and helps each other. I know there’s probably a line of people waiting to help."
The American Red Cross is providing help to three families displaced by the fire, spokesperson Justin Kern said. A total of 10 people were displaced, including two families of four and an adult couple all from separate units in the apartment complex, according to Kern.
The investigation into the fire is being handled by the Hartland Police Department with assistance from the State Crime Lab, the state Fire Marshal's Office through the Division of Criminal Investigations, the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department and several other local police departments. The Hartland Fire Department is also on scene to assist the investigation and help secure the building.
"Unfortunately, this is still a very active and dynamic investigation," Misko said. "We’re still learning a lot of information as we work through and we will be back at a later time to update you."
This story will be updated throughout the day.
Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fatal fire at Hartland apartment complex kills 6
