Firefighters battle another suspected arson fire

Toledo firefighters standby as water is poured on a fire on Buffalo Street Thursday night.

One vacant house fire Thursday in North Toledo turned into three.

By 10:45 p.m., firefighters remained in the 600 block of Buffalo Street north of Erie Street, awaiting the arrival of city demolition crews.

The fire was reported about 7:50 p.m. at 628 Buffalo Street, a vacant house, and soon spread to vacant houses on either side, at 624 and 630 Buffalo, battalion Chief Dennis Facer said.

The blaze did not appear related to the dozen others firefighters have battled recently. But it too appeared to be deliberately set, Dale Pelz, an arson investigator, said.

“This is a target of opportunity,” he said. “You’re looking at a cluster of vacant properties, it’s obvious that kids hang out in these houses.”

Three middle school-aged males are suspects on Buffalo, but officials said they are still investigating.