Blazes damage 2 houses, duplex; arson suspected

Fire caused about $75,000 damage to a duplex and two houses in two unrelated incidents in Toledo yesterday, authorities said.

Arson was suspected in a blaze about 7 a.m. at the duplex, 6081/2 Belmont Ave. The fire started on the second floor near a rear door. Damage was estimated at $25,000. The owner, Denise Overton, was not home when the fire began, Lt. Craig Beck, of the fire investigation unit, said.

The other fire was reported about 1:20 a.m. at an unoccupied 11/2-story house at 2137 Bakewell St. The blaze was started in a mattress in a first-floor bedroom by discarded smoking material, the lieutenant said.

Flames spread out a window to a neighboring house at 2135 Bakewell owned by Norman Scott, who saw the house next door on fire and called 911. The blaze caused $50,000 damage to both residences.