Fire officials are investigating an apartment fire in Greenfield that claimed the life of one resident Wednesday afternoon.
"During the course of the extinguishment a victim was discovered and pulled out of the structure. Unfortunately the victim did not survive," said Lt. David Stabbe with Greenfield Fire Department.
Jane Bohn was driving by the complex at 84th Street and Howard when she noticed smoke coming from the top floor. She kept driving to a Milwaukee fire station about a half mile away.
"That was my first reaction, is to just go over there instead of using my phone while I was driving," said witness Janice Bohn.
She says she led the firefighters back to the blaze.
"The chief came out right away. I mean he had no questions. He said 'please be careful when you go back. I'm going to follow you,'" said Bohn.
Phil Gorenc lives next door. He got a call his building was on fire while he was at work.
"I have a cat and I'm sorry I know that's kind of silly, but I was worried about my cat," said Phil Gorenc.
Milwaukee and West Allis Fire Department also showed up to help.
"Firemen went in and almost instantly they were bringing the guy out," said Walter Yates.
Responders tried to revive the victim, but it was too late.
"It's sad. What can you say, it's a sad situation," said Gorenc.
Even though Bohn tried to act fast, the witness wishes she would have driven by sooner.
"It breaks my heart knowing that somebody died, that I wasn't fast enough," said Bohn.
Most residents are back in their units. The initial damage estimate is $150,000.
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