On August 18th at approximately 6:30 PM Racine firefighters were dispatched to a report of an apartment fire at 4225 Durand Avenue on the city's southwest side. Racine Engine 9 arrived first on scene and confirmed a working fire in an apartment building. They had also found that several people had jumped from second floor windows.
Immediately Car 41 (command) determined that additional crews would be needed and called for additional Racine companies as well as the Mount Pleasant Fire Department with a truck and rescue squad. Firefighters initiated an interior attack, but were forced to pull out and go to an exterior operation. The fire spread rapidly into the attic area, which appeared to have no fire stops. Fire crews did try to stop the fire by making several trench cuts in the roof. They were forced off the roof though as the fire intensified.
Several additional rescue squads were called to the scene as up to twenty people reported injuries from smoke inhalation or injuries sustained after jumping from second floor windows. One Racine Belle Urban Bus was also brought in to transport some residents who had minor injuries from the fire. Two people, however, did not make it out and were later pronounced dead at the scene. The building contained approximately 50 apartment units. The fire reportedly forced out approximately 100 to 150 residents.
Ultimately the fire burned from the south end of the building through the roof to the north end of the building. The fire was fought using three aerial pipes, deck gun monitors, and several handlines. The building was considered a total loss.
The Racine Fire Department responded with Engines 9, 6, 1, 2, 3, Quints 7 and 8, Truck 1, Rescue Squads including 1, 7, and 8, Tactical Command 1, and Cars 41 (command), 43 (safety), Utility 2 and 5 and Car 51 (chief of department). Racine also recalled all off duty personnel to man reserve apparatus to keep the city protected. Firefighters from Mt. Pleasant, Sturtevant, Union Grove-Yorkville, Somers, and Kenosha responded to scene as well. Due to the commitment of so many area fire personnel at the scene of the fire, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department pulled a MABAS third alarm to fill area stations with manpower. Fire companies from as far away as Burlington and northern Illinois responded to fill eastern Racine County firehouses. The Racine Fire Bells also responded to provide rehab as it was an extremely hot and humid evening.
Firefighters remained on the scene into the next day hitting hot spots. The fire is still under investigation.
