Family of 4 Killed in Milwaukee House Fire

A fire engulfed a two-story home early Monday, killing a family of four in a tight-knit neighborhood where many of the victims’ relatives were living.

A 35-year-old man, his 23-year-old wife and their two boys, 5 and 6, were killed, said Milwaukee Fire Lt. Lawrence Jenkins.

The fire department did not immediately identify the victims, but several people who described themselves as relatives said it was the Vang family.

“Everybody is having a really difficult time right now,” said Rick Vang, a cousin of the father. Neighbors said two of the man’s brothers lived on the block.

Flames were shooting out the windows when crews arrived about 5:30 a.m. Monday, said Battalion Chief David Shanahan. They spent several hours fighting the blaze in frigid temperatures of about 12 degrees. Firefighters called in extra crews because of the strength of the fire and the weather.

Although fire officials had not revealed how the fire started, Shanahan said the family had numerous space heaters, and friends had reported the house had electrical problems. Shanahan said the house was very old.

Rick Vang said the area was a Hmong neighborhood where everyone knew and helped one another.