Update: The Milwaukee Police Department said it's now investigating Wednesday's fire as arson.
Two homes were damaged by a fire Wednesday afternoon, one of which was a residential facility for adults with disabilities.
The fire happened near 39th and Burleigh. According to the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD), it began in a boarded-up and vacant home but extended to the home next door.
Hikmit Algally owns the Hakote Food Mart on the corner of 39th and Burleigh and said it was the smell of heavy smoke that alerted him.
"It was too bad," Algally stated.
In a video he shared with us, you can see thick plumes of smoke billowing from the home before the home was fully engulfed. (Watch in the video at the top of this article.)
The flames caused major damage to a home next door that was a facility for disabled adults.
Primrose Residential Facility Director Arlene Chones said seven adults currently live at the home. However, only one man was home at the time and was able to get out.
MFD said one firefighter is being evaluated for injuries.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips.
