Two vacant houses in poor repair that burned on Mulberry Street in North Toledo overnight are thought to be arson.

Toledo Fire Department Battalion 1 Chief Jim Aldridge said both buildings, which had been boarded up, were a total loss. He estimated the loss at less than $10,000 for both buildings combined. Both were owned by William McGee, according to Lucas County auditor's records, which put much higher values on the buildings. 

Firefighters were called at 12:56 a.m. today to 816 Mulberry. It was totally involved in flames and a home next to it at 812 Mulberry was burning in the back when they arrived. A down power line proved to be one of the biggest challenges in fighting the fires, according to the chief.

Lucas County auditor's records list the home at 812 Mulberry as a duplex and say it was built in 1882. It is listed as being in foreclosure with thousands of dollars of unpaid real estate taxes.

Auditor's records list Mr. McGee's address as 816 Mulberry. But the chief said both buildings were vacant.

First Published June 8, 2012, 9:54 a.m.