Neighbors Rescue Baby from Apartment Fire

Dramatic rescue caught on camera as neighbors lower infant to safety from burning building

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a dramatic rescue, neighbors in Milwaukee jumped into action to save a baby from a burning apartment building, lowering the infant to safety in a carrier as smoke billowed from the structure. Six people were injured in the fire, which police are investigating as arson. The building lacked sprinkler systems, a longstanding safety concern that has been previously reported.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the critical importance of fire safety measures like sprinkler systems, which can significantly reduce response times and fire damage, often extinguishing flames before firefighters arrive. It also raises questions about building safety regulations and the responsibility of property owners to ensure the wellbeing of their tenants.

The details

Anthone Medina and other neighbors worked quickly to lower the baby to safety using a blanket, as firefighters arrived on the scene and used ladders to help evacuate other residents. The six people injured ranged in age from 30 to 56. Authorities are investigating the fire as arson, and the building is now considered unlivable with the front entrance boarded up.

  • The incident occurred early Sunday morning.

The players

Anthone Medina

A neighbor who helped rescue the baby from the burning apartment building.

Milwaukee Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the scene and used ladders to help evacuate residents.

Jody Tipton

A retired firefighter who emphasized the importance of sprinkler systems in fighting fires and protecting lives.

Aaron Lipski

The Milwaukee Fire Chief who has been working to create a database to inform dispatchers which buildings lack sprinkler systems.

Eric Daun

The president of Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Local 215 who supports the database initiative as a crucial safety measure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was terrifying. Since they didn't arrive immediately, we tried to save the baby's life by lowering him down with a blanket to get him to safety.”

— Anthone Medina (WTMJ)

“It's so much faster. Usually, by the time we get here, the fire is already knocked down. It usually puts the fire out, so people can actually get out of the place.”

— Jody Tipton, Retired Firefighter (WTMJ)

“Anytime there is a higher risk, we should have more resources coming. It gives us a fighting chance to get everybody out.”

— Eric Daun, President, Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Local 215 (WTMJ)

What’s next

Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski is working to create a database that would inform dispatchers which buildings lack sprinkler systems, allowing them to send additional crews when fires occur in these higher-risk structures.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical need for robust fire safety measures, particularly in older apartment buildings, to protect vulnerable residents and prevent tragedies. It also highlights the heroic actions of community members who stepped up to save a life in the face of an emergency.