Toledo 'Booby-Trap' Fire Downplayed

May 25, 2006
Certain traits of the 'traps' do not indicate the work of a saboteur

Updating a story published on Firehouse.com earlier this week, authorities involved with the Toledo Fire Department in Ohio have downplayed suspicion that an enflamed abandoned house was 'booby-trapped' before being set on fire.

A May 23 piece by WTOL suggested as much when it described firefighters combating rug-covered holes in the floor and cans of fuel ready to ignite.

Inspector Mike Smith now suspects that while the blaze was certainly arson, the holes were not situated in a location typical of sabotage.

"Holes were in the middle of the house [near the kitchen] where the fire started," he said, adding that booby-traps are normally placed near entrances to force crews to attend to eachother in place of firefighting.

Toledo Batallion Chief Jerry Abair said he has spoken with the woman who last resided in the home. She told him that in 2004, inspectors ordered construction workers to cut holes in the floor in order to deal with structural damages. The holes were never repaired, however, as the workers quit after their tools were stolen.

Since the blaze was fought defensively and the structure was leveled afterward, investigators were unable to further review their suspicions.

Police are currently working on finding the arsonist. A $5,000 reward has been offered by the local authorities for tips that lead to a conviction.

There are no leads regarding the suspect's identity, and no known motive behind the arson.

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