Youngstown firefighters battle three blazes

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Two vacant houses went up in flames early Thursday and one late Wednesday night.

Firefighters sent to 712 Steel St. on the West Side around 3:45 a.m. Thursday found the front porch fully engulfed, and the fire spread inside the house. No accelerant was found but the deliberately set fire extended to the sidewalk and bushes, reports show. Damage was set at $8,000.

At 6 a.m., firefighters sent to 3024 Firnley Ave. on the South Side found heavy smoke coming from the first floor and fire spreading through the house. Damage was set at $10,000, and the cause is under investigation.

At 10:40 p.m. Wednesday, the house at 722 Broadway on the North Side was deliberately set on fire, officials said. Firefighters switched to a defensive mode when the roof weakened and the hydrant cracked, which slowed water flow, reports show. Damage was set at $12,000.