Fire intentionally set? Neighbors say they're now "on guard"



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee fire investigators spent Monday morning, April 21st collecting and testing evidence from a house fire at 84th and Concordia; a fire they believe was started intentionally.

The Milwaukee Fire Department was dispatched to the house fire around 5:30 a.m. Flames were present on the first floor of the home. Firefighters said one person was removed from the home -- and taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Investigators soon found evidence that pointed to arson. Milwaukee police believe someone threw something through the front window that started the fire. They say they found a similar accelerant by the back window.

Neighbors said the whole incident makes them nervous.

“Basically it's a safe neighborhood. But it kind of puts you on guard a little bit. It makes you nervous. I did say to my daughter well maybe you should think about maybe moving? But they feel like they're safe,” said Judy Mieritz, whose daughter lives in the neighborhood.

“That's scary,” said Bob Ciganek, who lives in neighborhood. “I generally watch my neighbors and they're watching - the ones by my house at least, but what else can you do?”

Fire department officials say there was about than $42,000 in damages to the home.