Milwaukee Man Accused of Setting Apartment Building on Fire Over Neighbors’ Marijuana Smoking, Police Say

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he intentionally set fire to his own apartment building because he was angry about his neighbors smoking marijuana, leaving several residents injured and dozens displaced.

According to the Milwaukee Police Department, Keith Alan Luko, 44, is charged with arson of a building, first-degree reckless injury, and six counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety following a fire that broke out early Friday morning, January 17, at an apartment complex on West Fardale Avenue on Milwaukee’s south side.

Fire Erupts Before Sunrise in South Milwaukee

The fire began shortly after 6 a.m., with flames rapidly spreading through interior hallways of the multi-unit building. Firefighters arrived around 6:30 a.m. and encountered what officials described as heavy fire conditions near the building’s front entrance.

Crews were forced to conduct emergency rescues, helping multiple second-floor residents escape through windows as smoke and heat intensified. Several occupants were trapped by smoke-filled hallways and extreme heat, according to investigators.

Fire officials later determined the blaze was intentionally set, based on burn patterns, heat damage, and examination of the building’s electrical systems.

Surveillance Footage Leads Investigators to Suspect

Investigators reviewing surveillance video from the property observed actions that police say directly linked Luko to the fire. In the footage, the suspect is seen moving personal belongings out of the building using a sleigh-like device well before the fire started.

Moments later, Luko allegedly returned to the building and then quickly exited again as flames erupted behind him in the hallway. Police say the video shows a wall of fire forming almost immediately after his departure.

After the fire ignited, Luko fled the scene on foot.

Suspect Arrested Miles Away, Allegedly Confesses

Authorities located Luko approximately five miles west of the apartment complex near the intersection of West Howard Avenue and South 99th Street.

According to the criminal complaint, Luko admitted to setting the fire, telling investigators he was upset about neighbors smoking marijuana inside the building. Police allege he poured gasoline in the hallway and ignited it using a lighter.

The complaint states Luko was aware residents were inside the building at the time.

Children and Elderly Residents Among the Injured

The fire resulted in five people being hospitalized, ranging in age from 9 to 94 years old, authorities said.

A 9-year-old girl suffered a broken pelvis after being thrown from a second-story window by adults attempting to save her from the flames. Her parents were also injured, sustaining cuts, bruises, and scratches during the escape.

“The door was extremely hot to the touch,” the child’s mother told investigators. “She could smell smoke coming from the hallway.”

One resident was treated for severe smoke inhalation, while another suffered lacerations to her legs during evacuation.

Suspect’s Mother Also Hurt in the Fire

Police said Luko’s own mother, who lived in the building, was also injured. According to the complaint, she was awakened when her son briefly entered their unit to grab cigarettes before the fire alarm sounded.

She later noticed smoke filling the apartment and escaped by pushing out a window screen and lowering herself outside. The woman suffered scrapes and a broken ankle during the escape.

Building Left Uninhabitable, Dozens Displaced

The apartment building sustained extensive damage, including blackened walls, heavy smoke damage, and charring throughout common areas. Officials declared all eight units uninhabitable.

The American Red Cross confirmed that approximately 25 residents were displaced and required emergency housing assistance.

Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski said the building did not have functional sprinkler systems because it was constructed before sprinklers were required in residential properties.

Charges Reflect Severity of Risk to Residents

Prosecutors say the charges reflect the extreme danger posed to occupants, particularly given the early morning timing when many residents were asleep.

Luko remains in custody as the case moves forward through the court system. If convicted, he faces significant prison time under Wisconsin law.

As Milwaukee authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this fire, the case underscores the devastating consequences of intentional acts that endanger entire communities. For continued coverage of breaking local news, public safety incidents, and developing investigations across Wisconsin and the Midwest, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.