Milwaukee Woman Gets Probation for Warehouse Fire

Ellen Stevens, 23, received a sentence of one year of probation and $6,000 in restitution for a negligent handling of burning material charge. This charge stemmed from an accidental fire she confessed to starting with a discarded cigarette inside an abandoned warehouse on May 20. The fire escalated to a five-alarm blaze, necessitating assistance from multiple fire departments.

Stevens expressed gratitude that no one was injured and apologized to the property owner, Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God in Christ, and the responding firefighters. The church, which has owned the uninsured property since 1986, faces significant demolition and rebuilding costs estimated between $4 million and $8 million. Stevens was also ordered to perform 200 hours of community service and is restricted from possessing incendiary materials outside her home and workplace.