COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Columbus fire ruled a late-night fire as arson after the flames at a vacant duplex quickly spread to a second South Side duplex.
NBC 4's Tom Brockman reported with the FAST FACTS.
A fire broke out right before 11 p.m. Thursday night on Innis Avenue, forcing two families from their homes.
Fire investigators said they believe the fire started on the ground floor of 94 E. Innis Ave. and spread through the duplex building, heavily damaging the structure.
Then the flames spread to a second duplex structure at 96 Innis Ave. and 98 Innis Ave.
The first duplex (at 94 Innis Ave.) was vacant, but the second duplex structure was not.
"Somebody came up, ran up, to the doors of the house and was banging on Jody's and then banged on mine. Said there was a fire. By the time we got out, we called 911, and everybody showed up," one fire victim said.
Families were forced out into the cold night winds to avoid the acrid smell of burning wood and siding.
Columbus fire said the fire originated in multiple areas. The cause of the fire was ruled arson and was under investigation.
Damage was estimated at $20,000.
A second structure located at 96 E. Innis Avenue also was damaged as a result of exposure; damage to the structure was estimated at $22,000.
No injuries were reported.
The smoke detector performance remains undetermined.
Red Cross responded and was assisting the families.
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