'Out of control:' Juvenile taken into custody at scene of Family Dollar fire

Fire on West Hampton and Teutonia Avenues

MILWAUKEE -- For hours, officials responded to a large fire at a Family Dollar store on Milwaukee's north side on Saturday, Aug. 18. Flames shot from the through of the store as thick, black smoke filled the air. Police have confirmed a juvenile suspect was taken into custody.

"We couldn't even see it was so out of control," said Lakeisha Taylor, lives in Milwaukee.

The fire started at the store -- located near West Hampton and Teutonia Avenues -- just before 4 p.m. Lakeisha Taylor and Grace Washington were driving nearby.

Fire on West Hampton and Teutonia Avenues

"We heard the fire trucks so as we got to approaching Hampton, we see blazes going up in the air," said Washington.

"We did see workers run out but we don't know who all got out safe," said Taylor.

For several hours, the Milwaukee Fire Department worked to put out the flames. Neighbors watched from a nearby gas station.

Fire on West Hampton and Teutonia Avenues

"Like what the heck happened? I hope everybody's safe," said Washington.

"This is actually a good Family Dollar for the community. It's just crazy," said Taylor.

It is unclear exactly how it all started. The fire department says the investigation is ongoing.

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"That's really crazy. Nowadays we have to be careful because it's just a lot going on," Washington said.

Fortunately, no one was injured.

The fire department says people at the store are being interviewed to figure out exactly what happened. The building is considered a total loss.

Fire on West Hampton and Teutonia Avenues