Twelve people were forced from their homes after an early-morning apartment fire in Hartford, Wisconsin, in which three residents jumped from a second-floor balcony and were caught by police officers. Ten pets were also rescued from the eight-unit building on Evergreen Drive.
Hartford Fire & Rescue and Hartford Police were called to the scene at about 12.59am on Saturday, 17 October, after flames were seen coming from a first-floor window. Officers helped residents evacuate, while thick smoke prevented an immediate search of the second floor.
Three people became trapped on a balcony at the rear of the building. They jumped from the smoke-filled second floor and were caught by police officers below.
Fire crews brought the blaze under control after it spread from a bedroom in a first-floor flat to the outside of the building, the second floor, soffit and attic. Firefighters remained at the scene until about 4am, while investigators from the fire and police departments continued their work until around midday. ([cbs58.com](https://www.cbs58.com/news/multiple-occupants-jump-from-second-floor-balcony-during-hartford-apartment-building-fire))
Hartford apartment fire leaves 12 displaced
One resident suffered minor injuries but declined transport to hospital. Two Hartford police officers were assessed in hospital for smoke-related injuries and were released shortly afterwards.
No firefighters or emergency medical personnel were injured, and no other injuries were reported. The American Red Cross helped those displaced with immediate needs, while a temporary warming shelter was opened at City Hall for residents who required accommodation. ([cbs58.com](https://www.cbs58.com/news/multiple-occupants-jump-from-second-floor-balcony-during-hartford-apartment-building-fire))
The cause of the Hartford apartment fire remains under investigation.
Crews from Hartford Fire & Rescue were assisted by Hartford Police, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and fire departments from St Lawrence, Slinger, Neosho, Richfield and Jackson. Lifestar EMS and the Red Cross also attended.
