Milwaukee daycare gutted by fire, former employee arrested on suspicion of arson

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police arrested a 23-year-old woman in connection with an overnight blaze at Early Start Academy on 55th and Center.

Officials said they received the call at about 1:20 Wednesday morning and when they arrived, the building and a daycare van in the rear parking lot were in flames.

Milwaukee police say investigators believe the fire was intentionally set. 

Crews had the fire under control in about 30 minutes. The building is heavily damaged and a charred daycare van remains in the parking lot. 

Damage and losses are estimated to be more than $130,000.

An employee of the daycare said a manager was placing calls to families Wednesday morning to let them know the daycare would be closed.

It's unclear how many children are enrolled in the daycare or if the business will relocate.