Toledo Tops Other Ohio Cities for Arson Fires

Statistics show Toledo has more arson fires than other Ohio cities – but relatively few perpetrators are caught and prosecuted.

The Blade newspaper reports Toledo reported more intentionally set structure and vehicle fires than any other city in the Buckeye State between 2009 and 2012.

But of the 500 or so arsons reported every year, prosecutors say a small percentage are prosecuted – just 27 last year and 23 the year before.

The intentional fires are typically set in vacant homes and vehicles, but it was an arson fire at an occupied apartment building that killed two firefighters as they battled the blaze in north Toledo last month.

The 61-year-old building owner accused of setting the fire is charged with aggravated murder and aggravated arson.