Fire Engulfed Wauwatosa Ranch Home; Family Displaced

WAUWATOSA, WI — One family has been displaced after a late-night fire Wednesday in Wauwatosa.

At just before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Wauwatosa Fire Department responded for a house fire on the 12000 block of Underwood Parkway. By the time fire crews arrived, flames and large volumes of smoke had engulfed the first floor of a single-family ranch home.

The Wauwatosa Fire Department, along with Milwaukee and West Allis Fire Departments, had the fire under control in less than 30 minutes.

Authorities say the fire was reported by the home owner after smelling smoke in the residence. Both residents, along with their pets, were able to safely exit the building.

The Wauwatosa Fire Department reported that the entire first floor and attic suffered fire and smoke damage, the basement suffered water and smoke damage.

The American Red Cross arrived to help the owners.

Fire officials say the exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but that it appeared to start in the first floor living room area. The fire does not appear to be suspicious and the investigation has been closed by the Wauwatosa Fire Marshall, officials said.

Crews were in the neighborhood Thursday morning distributing smoke detectors and providing fire safety tips.