A five-alarm fire at the Highland Court Apartments in Milwaukee on Mother’s Day left four people dead and four critically injured.

Firefighters rescued around 30 residents from the burning four-story building, which lacked residential sprinklers due to a grandfather clause.

The blaze began in a common area and spread rapidly.

About 22 fire engines and eight ladder trucks responded, with the Red Cross aiding the displaced residents.

The building, now uninhabitable, had a recent code violation over overdue sprinkler inspections in its parking area, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has reported.

Authorities are still investigating the cause.

Written by B.C. Begley