Waukesha, WI (January 24, 2025) – The Waukesha Fire Department responded to a devastating structure fire at 1505 Elder St just after 3:00 a.m. on Friday. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke filling the home and flames visible from the rear of the building.
Crews immediately began an offensive attack to control the fire while simultaneously conducting search and rescue operations. The structure was occupied at the time of the fire, and firefighters quickly located the homeowner and removed them from the building. Despite efforts by paramedics to administer life-saving treatment, the individual tragically did not survive.
The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes, though freezing temperatures posed additional challenges for fire suppression teams. No firefighter injuries were reported during the operation. A pet was rescued from the home and placed in the care of the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha.
Additional resources from neighboring departments, including Pewaukee, Town of Brookfield, and New Berlin, were called in to backfill Waukesha fire stations during the response. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Waukesha Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau, with assistance from the Wisconsin State Fire Marshal’s office. Preliminary damage estimates have not yet been provided, but the home is considered a total loss.
The Waukesha Fire Department expressed gratitude to the Waukesha Police Department, Waukesha County Medical Examiner’s Office, W.E. Energies, and the Waukesha Water Utility for their support during this incident. The department also urges the public to regularly test smoke alarms, create emergency evacuation plans, and close bedroom doors when sleeping to reduce fire risks.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, and we commend the efforts of all responders who worked in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control.