Police: Suspect set fire to vacant Riverwest home, causing 6 other residences to ignite

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee police say the fire that occurred Tuesday night, Sept. 3, near Center and Bremen, is now being investigated as arson.

Officials say around 11:10 p.m., a suspect intentionally set a vacant house on fire, which extended to six other residences.

The area was evacuated due to a gas leak.

Police say one firefighter was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-fatal injuries. No other injuries were reported.

The owner of Ebb and Flow, a store across the street from the house on fire says the house has had been unoccupied for years and already had significant damage from a previous fire. However, someone had recently purchased the house and had it under construction.

"I got the message that was house was burning down, I wasn't necessarily shocked by it but it's just devasting for the neighborhood," said Claire Osterman, Owner of Ebb and Flow.

Osterman also says the neighborhood has been coming together to figure out their next steps.

Cents Gifts is one building away from the house that was on fire. The manager of the store says while they didn't have significant fire damage, they have extensive water damage which will prevent them from opening anytime soon.

"It's a real shame we work real hard in this neighborhood just to keep it going so it hurts to lose stuff like this," said Brett Huber, Manager of Cents Gifts.

Milwaukee police seek unknown suspects.

The Red Cross is assisting the seven people who are currently displaced.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.