MEDIA RELEASE

City Issues Structural and Damage Assessment Following August 20 Three‑Alarm Fire at Future DPW Facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – AUGUST 27, 2026 – WEST ALLIS, WIS – Following inspections by the City Engineer and Director of Public Works, structural experts, architects, restoration teams, and insurance representatives, the City of West Allis is providing an early update on the fire that occurred last week at the new municipal building project.
It’s important to note, as originally stated, all individuals at the site were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Overall Condition: The fire was contained primarily to the roof area above the second‑floor parking garage. While the damage is significant in that location, it is far less extensive than first feared. Office areas on the second-floor experienced smoke and debris, but there is no observed water damage.

Main Areas Impacted
• Second‑floor parking garage (Area 2D): Observations to date include damage to the roof’s metal decking, numerous conduits, drainage pipes, and several light fixtures. Water drained into the first‑floor garage (Area 1D) during fire containment, prompting additional evaluation of the stone base beneath the future concrete slab.
• Second‑floor office areas (2A and 2B): Both areas have smoke residue and debris, with Area 2B most affected, and will require high‑level cleaning and potential rework of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and finishes.
• First‑floor office areas (1A and 1B): No visible fire-related damage was identified during initial inspections.

Structural Review: A third-party structural engineering firm inspected the structural components on August 24. Their formal report is expected early next week and will confirm whether any structural repairs are needed.

Restoration and Insurance: A restoration contractor has begun work in heavily affected areas, focusing first on Area 2B. The project’s insurance team has recommended testing for combustion byproducts to more precisely determine what materials must be cleaned or removed in Areas 2A and 2B.

City Engineering Summary: The City Engineer reports a more encouraging picture than immediately following the fire, and while there is significant work ahead, the damage appears manageable. The team expects to have a clearer understanding of the schedule impact as the remaining evaluations are completed.

Next Steps: Individual trades along with product manufacturers—roofing, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, precast, and others—must still evaluate their systems for damage and warranty impacts. Construction work is continuing in areas cleared for activity, including exterior site work, and 24/7 security has been brought on site.

Schedule Impact: The fire is expected to impact the project schedule, although the full extent of that impact cannot yet be determined. Based on information available today, the City and VJS Construction Services anticipate the delay will be measured in months. A more detailed schedule will be developed as final assessments are completed, and availability of replacement materials is confirmed.

“Our focus now is on moving the project forward responsibly,” said Jake Jorgensen of VJS Construction Services. “We’re working closely with the City, its consultants, our trade partners and the insurance team to address the impacts, keep work progressing where possible and develop a plan for the work ahead.”

Fire Investigation Update
The West Allis Fire Department completed its preliminary investigation on the day of the incident and has since returned to the site twice to conduct follow‑up interviews and additional investigative activities. These return visits allowed investigators to clarify witness statements and verify information gathered during the initial on‑scene assessment once the affected areas were safe to access.

The on‑site portion of the investigation is now finished, and the property has been formally released back to the construction team. No areas are being held by the Fire Department, and the investigation is not expected to result in any additional construction delays.

Investigators are finalizing the written report, with completion anticipated by the end of the day Friday. The City is also awaiting a supplemental report from the Milwaukee Fire Department, whose investigators assisted during the initial response. If required, incorporation of that report may extend final completion into early next week.

At this time, no official findings regarding cause are available for public release, and the incident remains under investigation.

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Can’t make it to the polls on Election Day?  Vote early at West Allis City Hall (7525 W. Greenfield Ave) for the Tuesday, August 11 Partisan Primary.  For more information, visit Elections | City of West Allis

Garbage and recycling collection will be affected during the week of June 29 due to Independence Day. City facilities, including City Hall, the Southwest Suburban Health Department, the West Allis Public Library, and the West Allis Senior Center will be closed on Friday, July 3. The Municipal Yard at McGeoch Avenue and the Morgan Avenue drop off site will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. Additionally, there will be no brush collection the week of June 29.

Below is a chart to help you determine when to set out your garbage and recycling. Find your regular pick-up day, then set out your garbage and/or recycling on the adjusted day. If your items are not collected on the first day listed, the collection will occur the following day.

Regular Pick-Up Date ---> Adjusted Pick-Up Date

Monday, June 29 ---> Monday, June 29
Tuesday, June 30 ---> Monday, June 29 and/or Tuesday, June 30
Wednesday, July 1 ---> Tuesday, June 30 and/or Wednesday, July 1
Thursday, July 2 ---> Wednesday, July 1 and/or Thursday, July 2
Friday, July 3 ---> Thursday, July 2

Sign up for email and mobile notifications by downloading the City of West Allis app and allow notifications for "Garbage, trash, and recycling."

For any questions or information regarding your collection, fill out our Let Us Help form at www.WestAllisWI.gov/LetUsHelp

The City of West Allis Independence Day festivities are coming soon! Mark your calendars for three days of family-fun activities starting with Feature on Becher on Wednesday, July 1 at 6:30 p.m., the parade on Thursday, July 2 at 7 p.m., and the Festival Foods Fireworks and concert with Failure to Launch on Saturday, July 4 starting at 7:30 p.m. Learn more at www.WestAllisWI.gov/IndependenceDay. Thank you to our parade sponsors: QuadGraphics, West Allis Downtown BID, Iron Workers Local Union No. 8, VMP Healthcare & Senior Living, and Woman's Club of West Allis. Thank you to our fireworks and concert sponsors: Festival Foods, The Happy Mower, EZ Tiki, Firewise BBQ and T. Best Kettlecorn.

The Common Council will meet on Tuesday, June 16 at 7 p.m. at West Allis City Hall, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave. View the agenda here: https://westalliswi.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

A new construction in progress report is now available: https://aptg.co/J0P4ZV

Join us for the grand opening of the West Allis Beer Garden by Third Space Brewing on Friday, June 5 at Liberty Heights Park, for a night of live music, great food, and cold beer! No worries if the forecast looks iffy — our event is rain or shine! The Liberty Heights Park Pavilion has a fantastic sheltered and indoor area, so come join us regardless of the weather.

Enjoy live music from Bruce Humphries from 6-8 p.m. and food from Firewise BBQ. Beers on tap include Happy Place, Heavenly Haze, Helles, Frog Weiss, Central Time IPA, and the rotating West Allis Beer: Stallis Shandy. Also serving Head Space 10MG, Old Fashioned, Underwood Wine (Rose Bubbles and Pinot Gris), Press Hard Seltzer (Blackberry Hibiscus), water, Gatorade, and root beer.

The West Allis Beer Garden by Third Space Brewing will operate every Friday from 4 - 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 - 9 p.m. through Aug. 29.

Join us for the grand opening of the West Allis Beer Garden by Third Space Brewing on Friday, June 5, for a night of live music, great food, and cold beer!

Enjoy live music from Bruce Humphries from 6-8 p.m. and food from Firewise BBQ. Beers on tap include Happy Place, Heavenly Haze, Helles, Frog Weiss, Central Time IPA, and the rotating West Allis Beer: Stallis Shandy. Also serving Head Space 10MG, Old Fashioned, Underwood Wine (Rose Bubbles and Pinot Gris), Press Hard Seltzer (Blackberry Hibiscus), water, Gatorade, and root beer.

The West Allis Beer Garden by Third Space Brewing will operate every Friday from 4 - 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 - 9 p.m. through Aug. 29.

Looking to make improvements to your home? The City of West Allis offers two housing rehabilitation loan programs to help homeowners invest in needed repairs and upgrades.

• Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program

• TID Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program

Whether you're planning essential repairs or upgrades, these programs can help make your home safer, healthier, and more efficient. Learn more at www.WestAllisWI.gov/HousingLoans

Does your neighbor have a beautiful property or porch? Show them you appreciate their time and dedication by nominating them for a Beautification award! Nominations for Commendable Property and Best Porch are due by Wednesday, June 17, and nominations for Patriotic Display are due three days before Independence Day. Winners get bragging rights, a framed certificate and yard sign, are honored in a ceremony, and have their property included in a photo and video on the City website. Nominate now at www.WestAllisWI.gov/Beautification

A new construction in progress report is now available: https://aptg.co/J0P4ZV

The City of West Allis Plan Commission will meet on Wednesday, June 3 at 6 p.m. at West Allis City Hall, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave. View the agenda here: https://westalliswi.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

A new construction in progress report is now available: https://aptg.co/J0P4ZV

Garbage and recycling collection will be affected during the week of May 25 for Memorial Day. Below is a chart to help you determine when to set out your garbage and recycling. Find your regular pick-up day, then set out your garbage and/or recycling on the adjusted day. If your items are not collected on the first day listed, the collection will occur the following day.

Regular Pick-Up Date ---> Adjusted Pick-Up Date

• Monday, May 25 ---> Tuesday, May 26

• Tuesday, May 26 ---> Tuesday, May 26 and/or Wednesday, May 27

• Wednesday, May 27 ---> Wednesday, May 27 and/or Thursday,

  May 28

• Thursday, May 28 ---> Thursday, May 28 and/or Friday,

  May 29

• Friday, May 29 ---> Friday, May 29

Sign up for email and mobile notifications by downloading the City of West Allis app and allowing notifications for "Garbage, trash, and recycling." City facilities, including City Hall, the Southwest Suburban Health Department and the West Allis Senior Center will be closed on Monday, May 25. The West Allis Public Library is closed Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25. The Municipal Yard Drop-Off Site will be closed on both Saturday, May 23 and Monday, May 25.

You're invited to the open house for the Honey Creek McCarty Park Project. During the August 9-10 storms in 2025, debris built up on the trash racks, partially blocking water from flowing into the twin box culverts, which may have contributed to neighborhood flooding. In response, MMSD issued an emergency declaration to quickly design improvements that will reduce flood risk exacerbated by debris buildup. This project focuses on debris-related flooding. However, the culvert has limited capacity, which means flooding can still occur during extreme storms. Join us at the Open House on Wednesday, May 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at McCarty Park Pavilion located at 2567 S. 78th St. in West Allis.

At this Open House, you'll:

• Learn about the improvements coming this year to the trash rack.

• Hear what's next to address broader flood risks.

• Find available resources.

Not able to attend the Open House? An information video will be posted after the event at MMSD.com/McCarty. If you have any questions, submit them in the comment form located at the bottom of the webpage.

The Community Development Authority will meet on Monday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at West Allis City Hall, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave. View the agenda at www.WestAllisWI.gov/agendas

The Common Council will meet on Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at West Allis City Hall, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave. View the agenda here: https://westalliswi.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Reminder: the drop-off site at 6300 W. McGeoch Ave. will be closed today, Saturday, May 16, due to our Public Works Day event. The drop-off site will reopen on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:15 a.m.