Haley Hansen

Milwaukee

A man who was found dead at the scene of a house fire in Hales Corners Monday died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and is suspected of starting the blaze, police said Tuesday.

The man's identity hasn't been determined, but investigators have ruled that the fire was arson, according to a news release from the village's police department.

The Greendale and Hales Corners combined dispatch received a call about 4:30 a.m. Monday about smoke coming from a residence at 12300 W. Edgerton Ave. The home was fully engulfed when fire units arrived, and the fire was under control within an hour.

Fire officials determined the cause to be suspicious and asked for police help. Hales Corners police found a dead man in a second structure while searching the property for any additional damage or injured people, according to police.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's office will conduct an autopsy Tuesday.