A Toledo man is behind bars after police say he set a home on fire, endangering the lives of firefighters. Now the suspect faces some stiff charges.
A Toledo Fire lieutenant tells us crews are busy enough as it is handling accidental incidents. So when crews risk their lives putting out intentional fires, they want justice.
Fire officials say Gerald Kanavel, 32, was hired to burn down a home back on June 17 in the 1900 block of North Superior.
Kanavel is now facing one count of arson and 15 counts of aggravated arson. Each count represents the 15 firefighters that were put at risk battling that blaze.
"When someone intentionally sets a fire, it's personal to us," says Lt. Matt Hertzfeld. "They're doing it without regard for public safety, but, for firefighter safety, that's where that agg arson comes. He knowingly set a fire that he knew we would respond to. That puts our crews at risk."
Lt. Hertzfeld says, so far this year, investigators are handling 109 arson cases. The latest arson happened overnight on Parker Avenue, and officials say homeowners should take note.
"These arsons can happen anywhere in the city," Hertzfeld says. "Because of the economic climate, there are vacant homes all over the city, and they can become targets. So it's important to us that the citizens realize that smoke detectors make a difference. They can save your life."
Kanavel is being held at Lucas County jail and will face a judge Monday morning.
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