



ELM GROVE -- Sixteen fire departments and three police departments responded to a fire in Elm Grove on Saturday evening, Oct. 6 that resulted in injuries to six firefighters, who were taken to the hospital, where they were treated and released.



The call came in shortly before 6:30 p.m. for the fire at a home on Fairhaven Boulevard near Watertown Plank Road.











Fire on Fairhaven Boulevard in Elm Grove











Paul Vrakas






"It's unbelievable," said Paul Vrakas.





Vrakas said his son's family lives in the home. When the fire broke out on Saturday evening, Vrakas' 17-year-old grandson was the only one inside.



"This is one of the oldest homes in Elm Grove. Over the years, they have redone the inside -- a lot of his own handwork. As we understand it, one of the neighbors saw the flames and went into the house. Alerted him. He was in another part of the house and didn't realize it was on fire," said Vrakas.











Fire on Fairhaven Boulevard in Elm Grove Courtesy: Elm Grove Wisconsin Police Department





Police said that 17-year-old was able to get out through the front door.



The smoke and fire was so intense, six firefighters had to be taken to the hospital from the scene.















"We are happy that everyone is OK," said Vrakas.



As crews came to board up windows on Sunday, investigators were working to determine a cause. Vrakas said he has his own theories about what made this such a stubborn firefight.





Fire on Fairhaven Boulevard in Elm Grove Courtesy: Elm Grove Wisconsin Police Department







Fire on Fairhaven Boulevard in Elm Grove Courtesy: Elm Grove Wisconsin Police Department





"It could be the hold frame -- the wood in the house had to be pretty much like matchsticks, if you will. There was a lot to burn," said Vrakas.



Police said an update could come as early as Monday.















Below is a list of agencies that responded to this blaze:



Fire:



Village of Elm Grove

City of Brookfield

City of Wauwatosa

City of West Allis

Town of Brookfield

City of New Berlin

Tess Corners

Town of Waukesha

Town of Lisbon

Village of Sussex air unit

Waukesha County Emergency Rehab

Village of Menomonee Falls

Village of Butler

Town of Delafield

City of Franklin

City of Milwaukee



Police:



Village of Elm Grove

City of Brookfield

City of Wauwatosa