7 escape injury after house catches fire

4/7/2001

A father and his six young children escaped a house fire yesterday that started when one of the children was playing with a cigarette lighter, authorities said.

The two-story rental house, 224 Maryland Ave., sustained $20,000 damage during the accidental fire about 8:10 a.m., said Dale Pelz of the fire investigation unit.

The fire started in the second-floor bedroom of the home, rented by Brian and Amy Morales, when one of the children was playing with the lighter in an open closet. The flames ignited clothing, Mr. Pelz said.

The family is staying with relatives. The house is owned by Betty Andrews of Toledo.