MILWAUKEE  -- An Amber Alert has been issued in Wisconsin and Illinois for three Milwaukee children who were last seen with their mother and could be in danger.

Police said Monday the four were discovered missing during a fire investigation at their Milwaukee home. The fire department tells WISN-TV a crew responded to the family's house late Sunday night for a report of a garage fire.

The kids are 9-year-old son Javious Thicklen, 7-year-old daughter Jaleiah Thicklen and 4-year-old daughter Katera Thicklen.

The 34-year-old mother has been identified as Lavatta Smith.

Smith may be driving a dark purple 1996 Ford Taurus with Wisconsin license plates. Anyone with information is asked to call the Milwaukee police department's Sensitive Crimes Division at 414-935-7402.