Arson destroys house in N. Toledo

8/18/2012

A fire Saturday in the 700 block of Stickney Avenue near North Erie Street in North Toledo has been ruled arson and remains under investigation, Toledo Fire Lt. Matt Hertzfeld said.

No injuries were reported in the fire at the two-story duplex at 714 and 716 Stickney.

The structure, which was unlocked, was recently vacated, according to information provided by neighbors, Lieutenant Hertzfeld said.

The first crew, responding to the blaze at 5:20 a.m., reported heavy smoke and found fire throughout the structure. Accelerants were used in setting the fire, Lieutenant Hertzfeld said. "We went in to fight it and knock it down but had to pull out and make it defensive," he said.

Neighboring houses were not damaged in the blaze.

The house was valued at $32,000. The Toledo Division of Building Inspection was called out for demolition, he said.