Arson cited in central Toledo fire

Couple escape basement blaze in North Toledo

5/31/2013

Fire, believed to be the work of an arsonist, caused an estimated $30,000 in damage to a vacant house in Toledo in the 400 block of Cumberland Place early today.

Battalion fire chief Bryce Blair said when crews arrived fire was erupting from the house's first and second floors, and because of the building's design it took about 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control. The alarm was turned in at 2:45 a.m.

Out of concern that the fire might spread to a home next door, firefighters awakened a boy, 14, in the adjacent residence. An alley runs along the other side of the fire-damaged home. Chief Blair summoned an arson investigator, given the multiple locations of fire in the house; he estimated damage at $30,000.

While firefighters were busy at the Cumberland site, a blaze broke out at 1008 St. John Ave., according to battalion fire chief James Price. Daniel Floyd and his wife were able to escape unharmed. Chief Price said he believed the fire was electrical in origin and started in the basement. He estimated damage at $2,500; crews were dispatched at 3:03 a.m.