A probe is underway after six people perished Friday in a multi-family building fire in Hartland.
Hartland Police Chief Torin Misko said there's an active investigation into the cause of the blaze that occurred after 5 a.m. Friday.
He also later corrected an earlier statement, saying six bodies -- not seven -- had been recovered. The identities of the victims have not been released.
While the embers were still smoldering, village residents gathered to remember the victims some of whom are believed to have been children.
The Hartland Lakeside School District superintendent sent a letter to parents saying they were aware that a fire may have affected local families. They said students will be provided with support.
Among those who made it out were a 15-year-old, two 13-year-olds, a 12-year-old, and an 8-year-old. Some were rescued by firefighters while others escaped on their own, TMJ4 reported.
Ariel Gashi said he was home when the building caught fire, and described waking up to a loud bang.
"There was smoke everywhere, black smoke coming through our front door. We got our little sister out of her room and I told them to grab their belongings and cover your nose with a shirt," Ariel said.
Ariel, an older brother, took charge to get his younger siblings out of the burning building safely.
His mother, Ardita Gashi, said she left for work less than an hour before the fire.
"I was there in, like, not even five minutes because when you hear your building is on fire and your kids are home, you drive like you have nothing on the road," Gashi said.
Fifteen fire departments and 9 police departments responded to the scene. The State Fire Marshal's office is investigating the incident along with the Waukesha Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin Crime Lab, and Hartland Police and Fire Departments.
