Blaze destroys house, spreads to 2 neighbors

4/6/2009

One house was destroyed and two others were damaged by fire yesterday in South Toledo, authorities said.

Firefighters were called to 1041 Harding Drive, an unoccupied structure, about 5:15 a.m..

The blaze spread to houses on each side, causing an estimated $20,000 damage to both. Authorities said occupants inside the neighboring houses escaped unhurt.

The fire was considered suspicious, and arson investigators were called.

Meanwhile, Toledo police last week arrested Allen Quintanilla, 18, on charges related to setting nine vacant houses on fire in the city s Old South End. He remains in the Lucas County jail in lieu of a $225,000 bond.

Mr. Quintanilla of 219 Eastern Ave. will be arraigned today in Toledo Municipal Court on new arson charges.