Two fires fought on South Side this morning

YOUNGSTOWN — The occupants of 711 E. Lucius Ave. on the South Side discovered the house filling with smoke this morning and found flames coming from the floor joists under the fireplace hearth, reports show. The fireplace was used Wednesday evening. One resident tried to put out the flames at 5:40 a.m. today with a garden hose through a basement window but was forced out by the smoke. Everyone got out safely and firefighters extinguished the flames. Damage was set at $2,500.

Earlier, at 3 a.m. today, firefighters were sent to the vacant house at 561 E. Philadelphia Ave. on the South Side where fire was visible at the rear of the structure. The fire started in a first floor hallway between the kitchen and steps leading to the basement. The fire extended to the second floor and rear porch roof. Damage was set at $5,000 and the cause is under investigation.