4 dead, 4 in critical condition after five-alarm Milwaukee apartment fire

A five‑alarm fire at the Highland Court Apartments in Milwaukee on Mother’s Day left four people dead and four critically injured. Firefighters rescued around 30 residents from the burning four‑story building, which lacked residential sprinklers due to a grandfather clause. The blaze began in a common area and spread rapidly. About 22 fire engines and eight ladder trucks responded, with the Red Cross aiding the displaced residents. The building, now uninhabitable, had a recent code violation over overdue sprinkler inspections in its parking area, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause.