One of the worst house fires in South Milwaukee's history; Why some aren't surprised it happened

SOUTH MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's being called one of the worst house fires many in South Milwaukee can remember -- but why are some not surprised it happened?

The fire broke out at a home near 8th Street and Marquette Avenue on Tuesday evening, July 8th. The call came in around 7:30 p.m. Photos sent in by FOX6 viewers showed massive flames enveloping the three-story home.

Fire officials say in just a matter of minutes, the fire gutted the home -- from the front porch to the attic.

The State Fire Marshals Office was called out to investigate the fire -- and was requested to the scene Wednesday morning.

South Milwaukee fire officials say after a detailed examination of the scene and interviews with the occupants and witnesses the area of origin of the fire has been identified as the northwest corner of the enclosed porch.

Fire officials say all electrical, mechanical and natural causes have been eliminated -- but fire officials say the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

The video you see above was sent in by FOX6 viewer Sara Geiger.

"This thing went up in probably, like, two minutes," South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joseph Knitter said.

The aftermath of the blaze continued to draw onlookers on Wednesday -- nearly 24 hours later.

"There is no saving this one.  I don`t think they can save this house, except tear it down," Chief Knitter said.

Chief Knitter says it's unusual to have a blaze this intense occur in such a short period of time. The South Milwaukee Fire Department is just two blocks away from the home.

"They could see the column of smoke from the fire station," Chief Knitter said.

Even with fire hydrants across the street -- six departments were called in to help with this fire. Representatives from the State Fire Marshals Office are investigating -- due to the intense nature of this blaze.

The property owner tells FOX6 News the home was rented to a family.

"A foster dad and three kids," the property owner said.

Everyone -- including another adult, made it out of the home safely. One neighbor says there's no doubt this fire is suspicious in nature.

"No doubt at all.  We have been smelling trouble stirring from this residence for quite some time," a neighbor told FOX6 News.

Other neighbors tell FOX6 News the home has been a hotbed of activity long before going up in flames.

South Milwaukee police have been called out to the home 12 times in two-and-a-half years -- mainly for noise complaints or minor theft issues. Their most recent visit was on Sunday, July 6th -- for a report of a stolen video game.

"Some verbal altercations that have happened.  Some threats against... physical violence.  Lots of noise, nuisance," a neighbor said.

The property owner disputes that.

"I`ve been on the property enough while they were here and I`ve never seen anything out of the ordinary," the property owner said.

We're told the home had working smoke detectors.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family that lived there. Also, anyone interested in making helping the family financially can do so. Donations will be accepted at any US Bank branch for the "Martin Family" donation account.