South Toledo house fire does $100,000 damage

3/25/2003

An accidental fire yesterday at a two-story house at 2741 Kingsford Dr. caused about $100,000 damage and displaced a couple and their three children.

The fire, which began in the first-floor living room, appears to have been started by a discarded candle, Toledo fire Investigator Michael Smith said. He said the fire began on an end table near a sofa.

The owner, Alfred Sprouse, was reading when he heard the smoke detector and popping noises. He tried to extinguish the flames but couldn't. He fled to a neighbor's house and called 911 about 2:45 p.m., Battalion Fire Chief Brian Byrd said.

Mr. Sprouse was treated at the scene for minor burns to his hands. Some of his hair was singed when he tried to put out the fire.

Toledo police blocked Kingsford from South Detroit Avenue to Beverly Drive.