Milwaukee, WI – As the Milwaukee Fire Department marks its 150th year, officials are honoring the city’s firefighting history — including a massive five-alarm blaze that struck downtown on December 20, 1975.
According to the department, the fire broke out at 1000–24 N. 3rd Street inside the Metropolitan Block Building, quickly spreading through upper floors and calling in dozens of firefighters from across the city. Archival photos show intense flames shooting from windows as crews worked for hours to control the inferno.
The department’s post also noted several other significant December 20th fires over the years — from an 1884 commercial building blaze on Water Street to a 2004 apartment fire on Walnut Street that claimed four civilian lives.
The retrospective is part of Milwaukee Fire Department’s year-long effort to commemorate its 150th anniversary, in partnership with the Milwaukee Fire Historical Society & Fire Museum. Officials said they plan to share more key dates and images throughout the year.
Residents can follow the department’s Facebook page for additional historic milestones and photos from the city’s firefighting past.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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