Second Fire in 3 Months Hits Milwaukee U-Haul Storage Facility

Renters anxiously await news on the fate of their belongings after the latest blaze damages 25 units

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:36am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred and melted storage unit lock, conceptually illustrating the damage and uncertainty faced by renters after a second fire at a Milwaukee storage facility.The aftermath of a second devastating fire at a Milwaukee storage facility leaves renters anxious about the fate of their belongings.Today in Milwaukee

A two-alarm fire ripped through a U-Haul storage facility in Milwaukee's South Side on Monday night, just months after a previous five-alarm fire caused significant damage to the same complex. The latest incident damaged 25 storage units on the first floor, while many others may have suffered water, smoke, or soot damage. Renters are now in a state of limbo, waiting to hear from U-Haul about the status of their belongings as the company works to restore power and allow access to the building.

Why it matters

This is the second major fire to hit the U-Haul storage facility in just three months, raising concerns about the safety and security of the complex. The repeated incidents have left many renters anxious about the fate of their personal belongings, which in some cases represent significant financial and sentimental value. The fires also highlight the challenges faced by the storage industry in maintaining reliable facilities and protecting customer property.

The details

The latest fire broke out on Monday night at the U-Haul storage facility located at the intersection of 1st Street and Lapham Avenue. Milwaukee firefighters responded to the two-alarm blaze, which caused damage to 25 storage units on the first floor. According to U-Haul, other units on the first floor as well as some on the upper floors may have also suffered water, smoke, or soot damage. This comes just 75 days after a previous five-alarm fire tore through a different part of the same storage complex, damaging around 400 of the 1,200 total units. The cause of the January fire was determined to be electrical, while the cause of the latest incident is still under investigation.

  • The previous five-alarm fire at the U-Haul storage facility occurred on January 21, 2026.
  • The latest two-alarm fire broke out on the evening of April 7, 2026.
  • A demolition crew is scheduled to begin demolishing the part of the building damaged in the January fire next week.

The players

U-Haul

A major provider of moving and storage services, operating a large storage facility in Milwaukee that has been impacted by two fires in the past three months.

Debra Bennett

A renter at the U-Haul storage facility who has thousands of dollars' worth of collectibles stored in her unit, which was spared in the first fire but is now in limbo as she waits to hear if it was damaged in the latest incident.

Aaron Lipski

The Milwaukee Fire Chief who responded to the scene of the latest two-alarm fire at the U-Haul storage facility.

Jeff Lockridge

The U-Haul manager of media and public relations who provided details about the damage caused by the latest fire and the company's plans to assist affected customers.

Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services

The city agency that has ordered the demolition of the part of the U-Haul storage facility damaged in the January fire, and is overseeing the safety of the building following the latest incident.

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What they’re saying

“I never thought I should move my stuff. I thought, well, one detrimental fire and that's it.”

— Debra Bennett, U-Haul storage renter

“You weren't expecting a second one.”

— James Stratton, Investigative reporter

“No. Who was?”

— Debra Bennett, U-Haul storage renter

What’s next

Once power is restored to the U-Haul storage facility, the company says it will begin contacting affected customers on Thursday to schedule inspections of their belongings and coordinate any necessary cleaning, drying, or re-boxing services.

The takeaway

The repeated fires at the U-Haul storage facility in Milwaukee have left many renters on edge and questioning the safety and security of their personal belongings. This incident highlights the challenges faced by the storage industry in maintaining reliable facilities and protecting customer property, especially in the face of unexpected disasters.