2 North Toledoans hurt in fire at home

5/2/2006

Two North Toledoans, one of whom jumped from a front porch roof, suffered smoke inhalation during an arson fire at their house, officials said.

Veronica Brown, 49, and Bernard Clark, 43, were treated at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center after the blaze at 3219 Cottage Ave. about 11 p.m. Sunday. Mr. Clark also had minor cuts to his chest and stomach after he awoke and escaped by climbing onto the roof and jumping, fire officials said.

Ms. Brown found a burning mattress covering a broken dining room window and tried to pull it outside but was unsuccessful. Firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the house when they arrived.

The blaze also damaged siding on a two-story house at 3223 Cottage. The fire caused about $52,000 damage to both houses, fire officials said.