Accidental fire kills family's pet bird

11/11/2002

An accidental fire yesterday caused about $35,000 damage to a two-story house at 3580 Doyle St. and killed a pet bird.

The electrical fire started in the basement at or near an upright freezer that was plugged in with an extension cord that was too long, Toledo fire investigator Dale Pelz said.

The occupants, James and Kelli Lykins and their three teenage children, were at church when the fire was reported at 9:37 a.m.

Firefighters and a neighbor helped three dogs and a cat escape the blaze. Mr. Pelz said paramedics saved the cat by giving it oxygen. A relative said the family's cockatiel died.