KENOSHA, Wis. – A house just blocks from Kenosha’s notorious “Piss Tunnel” was severely damaged in a fire Thursday night, reportedly sparked by a lit cigarette tossed onto a mattress on the upper deck by an upstairs tenant.
According to Fire Chief Daniel A. Tilton, the Kenosha Fire Department was dispatched at 8:21 p.m. to the 3800 block of 14th Avenue for a report of a residential structure fire. When firefighters arrived, they found the second story of the two-unit home engulfed in flames and smoke.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Occupants had evacuated before fire crews arrived. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among residents or firefighters.
Firefighters launched an aggressive interior attack and brought the fire under control within 25 minutes. Still, the structure sustained extensive fire and smoke damage throughout the second floor.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
A source familiar with the situation said residents attempted to extinguish the fire themselves before calling 911. One used a fire extinguisher, another tried a garden hose, and a neighbor joined in with a hose and ladder in an effort to douse the flames from outside. Those efforts were unsuccessful.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Residents are reminded never to delay calling 911 in a fire emergency. In this case, the fire may have burned for up to 30 minutes before help was summoned. That kind of delay can turn a manageable incident into a destructive blaze. Early notification is critical and can mean the difference between minor damage and a total loss.
Mutual aid companies from Pleasant Prairie, Somers, Bristol, and Newport, Illinois, helped backfill Kenosha fire stations during the response. Kenosha Police also assisted at the scene.
The official cause of the fire remains under investigation, but early reports suggest negligent behavior may be to blame.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
3 Responses
ALWAYS CALL 911
People don’t call because they think they fucked up and don’t want others to find out. Thinking “I got this”
Fire is fast. And longer it goes the faster it spreads.
It’s admirable to grab a hose and try to help out but, CALL 911 FIRST !!!
THAT 10 Second call isn’t going to change the outcome.
Fire Fighters like nothing more than going fast in a fire truck to then find out somebody put the fire out and all they have to do is check the work.
But even at that, you are not safe trying.
Personal safety is ALWAYS more important than the rebuilding time and cost. If it all goes up in smoke, at least you’ll be around to fix it.
Piss tunnel?? Where is this located? Never heard of it.
Go to the address listed. You’ll find the tunnel without any problem. It is a pedestrian path under the RR tracks.