Tragedy in Milwaukee: Early Morning Fire at The Rusty Tap Dive Bar Claims Two Lives, Leaves Five Hospitalized
By Ava Richardson | April 8, 2025 | Milwaukee, WI
An early morning fire engulfed a well-known dive bar in downtown Milwaukee today, turning a beloved neighborhood institution into a scene of devastation. The blaze broke out shortly after 2:15 a.m. at The Rusty Tap, a popular late-night destination on South 1st Street. Authorities have confirmed that two individuals lost their lives in the fire, and five others have been hospitalized, two of them in critical condition.
The incident has shocked the local community, particularly those in the tightly-knit Walker’s Point neighborhood, where The Rusty Tap has long been a staple. Known for its gritty charm, budget-friendly drinks, and a vintage jukebox that could be heard from down the street, the bar was a go-to spot for regulars, college students, off-duty workers, and even musicians passing through town. As investigators search for the fire’s cause, the community is reeling from the sudden loss of life and the destruction of a landmark bar that had stood for over four decades.
Moments of Panic
According to eyewitnesses and first responders, the fire began behind the bar counter and spread rapidly. The building’s aging infrastructure and dense wood paneling made the fire difficult to contain.
“I smelled smoke, then saw it coming out from behind the liquor shelves,” said Derrick Lawson, a patron who escaped through a side exit. “At first, I thought it was a kitchen issue. Then suddenly it was chaos. People were shouting, some were trying to go back inside to get their friends.”
Emergency services were flooded with calls just after 2:15 a.m. Milwaukee Fire Department crews responded within minutes and found flames already licking the rooftop of the building. Flames could be seen shooting out of the windows, and heavy smoke blanketed the street as firefighters worked to evacuate patrons and contain the blaze.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Deputy Fire Chief Marla Simmons, one of the first officials on scene. “There was extreme heat, zero visibility inside the structure, and we knew immediately that we were looking at a life-threatening situation.”
Despite the swift response, by the time firefighters were able to make their way inside, two individuals were already deceased. Both bodies were discovered near the back of the bar, indicating they may have been trying to escape through the rear exit.
Casualties and Survivors
The identities of the two deceased have not yet been made public pending notification of their families. However, sources close to the investigation have said both were local residents and frequent patrons of The Rusty Tap.
Five others were rushed to Froedtert Hospital. Among them is Melissa “Missy” Raines, the longtime bartender known affectionately by regulars for her quick wit and no-nonsense style.
Raines, 44, reportedly suffered serious burns and smoke inhalation after attempting to lead patrons out through the kitchen door. She is currently in critical but stable condition in the hospital’s burn unit.
Other injured individuals included two bar patrons, a bar-back, and a musician who had just finished performing a late set. One witness reported that the musician, whose stage name is “Juke,” was seen assisting others before collapsing from smoke inhalation.
“We owe our lives to Missy and Juke,” said Andrea Pierce, one of the survivors. “They were trying to help everyone get out, even as the flames got worse.”
A Community Staple
Opened in 1981, The Rusty Tap had long been considered a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s dive bar scene. With low ceilings, vintage beer signs, tattered barstools, and a signature pool table in the back, it embraced its no-frills atmosphere. The bar was known for hosting local bands, karaoke nights, and impromptu open mics.
“I started going there in the early 2000s,” said Brian Carney, a local musician. “That place gave hundreds of bands their first gig. It wasn’t just a bar. It was a proving ground, a hangout, a second home.”
Even with gentrification creeping into the neighborhood over the years, The Rusty Tap stayed true to its roots. Its neon signage, faint smell of fried food, and gritty yet welcoming aura made it an irreplaceable piece of Milwaukee culture.
Investigation Underway
As of Tuesday afternoon, fire investigators were still combing through the debris to determine the exact cause of the blaze. Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have originated from behind the bar counter—possibly due to an overloaded power strip or faulty electrical wiring.
“This is an older structure,” said Fire Marshal David Koenig. “Bars like this often have aging electrical systems that haven’t been retrofitted to handle modern power loads. Add in flammable liquids and old insulation, and unfortunately you have a recipe for disaster.”
Koenig noted that the fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature at this time, but all possibilities are being investigated.
The building, constructed in the 1920s, had passed its last fire inspection in 2022. Still, many patrons and former employees have voiced concern over the building’s state.
“There were always little issues—flickering lights, weird smells from the kitchen,” said a former bartender who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s an old place. I guess we all assumed it would just keep going.”
City Leaders React
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson expressed condolences to the victims and their families during a press conference held outside City Hall.
“This morning’s tragedy reminds us how quickly lives can change,” Johnson said. “We’ve lost not just members of our community, but a place that meant something to many. We are committed to supporting the victims and ensuring full transparency in the investigation.”
The city has pledged to provide financial aid to survivors and to assist displaced employees through the Milwaukee Emergency Assistance Fund, which has been activated for affected service workers.
Public Support Surges
A GoFundMe campaign launched by a local restaurant owner had already raised over $60,000 within 10 hours, with donations pouring in from across Wisconsin and beyond.
“We may have lost a bar,” wrote organizer Jeremy Nunez, “but we haven’t lost what The Rusty Tap stood for: community, grit, loyalty, and love.”
Several local venues have offered to host benefit concerts and fundraising events. One such venue, The Broken Tambourine, will be holding a candlelight vigil and open mic night Wednesday evening, with all proceeds going to the victims’ families and injured staff.
A City in Mourning
Outside the blackened skeleton of The Rusty Tap, mourners have created a makeshift memorial. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now cover the sidewalk. Some messages read:
• “For Missy – our warrior behind the bar.”
• “The Tap was our home.”
• “Gone but never forgotten.”
Several people were seen standing silently Tuesday afternoon, some openly weeping.
“It’s not just about the building,” said local artist Kendra Lyles, who painted a mural on the side of the bar last year. “It’s about the people, the laughs, the nights we don’t remember, and the memories we’ll never forget.”
Uncertain Future
Whether The Rusty Tap will ever reopen remains unclear. The structure has been deemed unstable and may be demolished in the coming days, according to city engineers.
Owner Russell “Rusty” Thompson, 67, released a short statement via his attorney:
“I am heartbroken. The Rusty Tap has been my life’s work. I’m devastated for those who lost their lives and for the staff and patrons who made this bar what it was. We will do everything in our power to support the families and make sense of this tragedy.”
There is no word yet on insurance claims or potential rebuilding efforts, but Thompson has hinted that, if there is community support, he would consider reopening elsewhere in Milwaukee.
Resilience and Reflection
As Milwaukee continues to process the loss of a landmark and the lives cut short by the tragedy, there’s a shared sense that The Rusty Tap was more than just another dive bar—it was a cultural anchor.
“Milwaukee is full of soul, and The Tap was a piece of that soul,” said musician Olivia Vega, who played there just last Friday. “It was messy, loud, beautiful, and real. Like the city itself.”
While the fire may have destroyed a building, the spirit of The Rusty Tap—and the community it built—remains alive.
Tonight, candles will flicker along South 1st Street. Guitars will strum in memory. And somewhere, perhaps in another dive bar across town, the jukebox will play the songs that once echoed through those charred walls, carrying the stories forward.
Editor’s Note: This story is ongoing. Please stay with us for continued coverage on the investigation, fundraising efforts, and the impact on the community.
Leave a Reply