Feb. 18, 2025 11:15p
From the Racine Fire Dept.:
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 17:38, the Racine Fire Department responded to an explosion and fire
in a side-by-side duplex on Gilson Street.
The explosion demolished the structure, and the ensuing fire consumed most of the western portion of the duplex. Two victims escaped the explosion and were transported first to Ascension All Saints Healthcare Racine and then to Milwaukee for further care. At the time of this release their medical conditions and any injuries are unknown.
Due to the explosion and resulting structural damage, firefighters were unable to enter the building to
extinguish the fire and operated in a defensive strategy throughout the incident.
As a result, personnel were on scene for almost 5 hours fighting the fire and ice covered conditions in single digit temperatures. The entire on duty Racine Fire Department responded to the explosion: including 4 Engines, 2 Quints, 1 Truck, 3 ambulances, 3 Chief level officers, and 3 fire investigators for a total of 44 personnel.
The explosion and fire displaced residents in a couple of nearby homes. The American Red Cross is
assisting those displaced residents.
The Racine Police Department assisted with traffic control and overnight scene security. The Racine Fire
Bell’s assisted with rehabilitation for the personnel on scene. WE-Energies secured both the electric and
natural gas utilities and the Racine Water Utility assisted with fire hydrants in the frigid weather.
The cause of the explosion and fire is under investigation.
It caused $200,000 in damage to the duplex, and an unknown damage amount to surrounding homes and buildings.
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