Fire Damages Nearly Completed West Allis Public Works Facility
A blaze set back the new public works complex as it neared completion in West Allis, Wisconsin.
Source: TMJ4 News ↗
A three-alarm fire struck the future West Allis Department of Public Works facility on Aug. 21, damaging sections of the roof of a $65 million to $80 million complex that had been on track to open this fall.
Mayor Dan Devine said the damage was a gut punch to a project years in the making. “Just to have a photo first thing in the morning of a four-story smoke plume coming out of one of your newest buildings, your heart just kind of sinks,” Devine said.
The facility broke ground in 2024 and was designed to consolidate the West Allis public works, engineering and information technology departments under one roof. According to the city, it will house 135 full-time and 25 seasonal employees, along with vehicle and equipment storage intended to reduce wear on fleet vehicles currently kept outdoors.
West Allis fire crews and several mutual-aid departments responded after flames were reported coming from the roof near South 53rd Street and West Rogers Street. Drone footage showed extensive roof damage and construction materials scattered across the site. Investigators had not determined a cause as of Aug. 21, though Devine said early reports suggested the fire originated on the roof; the city had not confirmed that finding.
Devine said it is too early to know how long the fire will push back the opening. He acknowledged a separate earlier incident involving shifting footings at the site but described the project overall as “somewhat smooth” despite occasional “curveballs.”
City officials said public works operations will continue without interruption from the city’s existing facilities while construction proceeds. The extent of the damage remained under investigation.
