12-Year-Old Girl Rescued from Balcony in Racine House Fire

RACINE, Wis. (WRJN) — A 12-year-old girl was rescued from a second-story balcony during a house fire in Racine on Friday, June 28, officials said.

The Racine Fire Department responded to a call at 922 Elm St. after reports of smoke filling the house and a child trapped on the balcony. Firefighters from Engine 1 used a 24-foot extension ladder to safely get the girl out, who was evaluated on scene and released to her mother without injuries.

Twenty-four firefighters worked to contain the blaze, which was caused by items left in an oven, which was then pre-heated, which lit those items on fire. The Racine Police Department assisted with traffic control and the fire investigation.

The incident displaced four tenants from the upper and lower units of the duplex. The Red Cross provided assistance to those affected.

There were working smoke alarms throughout the home. Fire officials emphasized the importance of having an escape plan for such emergencies.

The fire caused an estimated $1,000 in structural damage and $5,000 in content damage. No injuries were reported among residents or fire personnel.