Intense fire damages south end apartments

7/29/2013

Fire, labeled arson by a battalion fire chief, heavily damaged a three-story apartment building Sunday in Toledo’s south end.

Chief Rick Syroka said several places in the building were burning when crews arrived at 902 Harding Dr. at Broadway shortly after 5:30 a.m. Chief Syroka said he called for two extra pumper crews because of the building’s size. The blaze was under control at 6:35 a.m.

Vehicular traffic was prohibited from using Broadway between Balfe and Stebbins streets until 9:20 a.m. as fire hoses snaked their way from hydrants in the area.

The structure has four apartments, but it appeared only one was in use, probably by a transient person, the chief said. Natural gas service to the building had been turned off. He estimated damage at $50,000.