A Wisconsin woman has been charged after authorities said she accidentally started a massive fire at an abandoned warehouse in Milwaukee that caused nearly $1 million in damage.
Woman Accused of Starting Warehouse Fire
Ellen Stevens, 22, was arrested on May 22 and charged with negligent handling of burning material.
According to investigators, the fire broke out on May 20 at a condemned four-story warehouse in Milwaukee. Emergency crews received multiple 911 calls reporting heavy smoke coming from the building.
The fire quickly spread and became a five-alarm fire, causing part of the structure to collapse. Officials later demolished the building due to the severe damage.
Surveillance Video Helped Police
Police said surveillance footage showed Stevens and three other people entering the property around 4:19 p.m. and leaving shortly before the fire was reported.
A witness was also seen confronting the group and telling them to leave the private property.
During the investigation, another witness told police that Stevens allegedly sent a Snapchat message saying, “I may or may not have lit the bando on fire today on accident.”
She later allegedly sent a photo of the fire with the caption, “Devastating.”
Stevens Admitted Actions Were Negligent
According to the criminal complaint, Stevens told investigators she and her friends had gone to the roof of the abandoned building.
While there, she allegedly threw a lit cigarette through a hole in the roof. About 20 minutes later, the group noticed smoke and burning debris below them.
Stevens reportedly told police they tried to stomp out the fire before leaving the building, believing it had been extinguished.
Investigators said Stevens admitted her actions were negligent but denied intentionally starting the fire.
Nearly $1 Million in Damage
Authorities estimated the fire caused around $975,800 in damages.
Stevens appeared in court this week and posted a $250 bond. According to local reports, a court commissioner also ordered her not to possess burning materials, including cigarettes and cigars.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 7.
