Two fires last week caused property damage

Fires broke out at the Harley-Davidson plant and Serafino Square apartments May 19. No injuries occurred but there was property damage in both incidents.

Wauwatosa Fire Department found heavy smoke in the basement of Harley-Davidson, 10700 W. Capitol Drive, at 2:08 p.m., and with the aid of fire crews from five surrounding communities, the fire was under control in about an hour, Deputy Chief James Case said.

A definitive cause hasn't been cited but it appeared a cutting torch was used in the vicinity of the fire, he said.

"No damage estimate is available as the equipment affected was in process of being removed due to the plant shutting down," Case said.

Later, at 8:03 p.m. heavy black smoke filled the underground parking garage at Serafino Square, 9995 W. North Ave. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but large garbage containers were involved, he said. Damage is estimated to be $25,000.

"Immediate action was taken by both fire personnel and Wauwatosa police to evacuate approximately 75 apartments due to smoke travel into the residential areas," Case said.

Emergency personnel conducted a room-to-room search for occupants.

The fire was extinguished quickly but persistent smoke required ventilation and continued evacuation.