Teen blamed for house fire that does $80,000 damage

11/27/2001

A teenage girl playing with a lighter and rubbing alcohol started an accidental fire that caused about $80,000 damage at a house at 1844 Loxley Rd., Toledo fire officials said.

The blaze started in the living room of a two-story dwelling at 5:35 p.m. Sunday. The bottle of alcohol, which was on fire, was on a table. It spilled, and flames spread to the floor. The occupants tried to put out the fire with cushions from a couch but were unsuccessful. When the fire spread to the couch, the occupants left and called 911, said Michael Smith of the Toledo fire investigation unit.

One of the occupants, Sue Stief, 42, rents the house. Her niece and three teenage friends were inside when the fire started.

The house is owned by John Scouten of Toledo. The building is insured, but Ms. Stief did not have renter's insurance.