Ricki Lake sued for September house fire negligence

Ricki Lake and her family emerged unscathed from a house fire that destroyed her Malibu rental home back in September. Now, the actress and television host is on the receiving end of a lawsuit filed by her landlord.

Lake is reportedly being charged with negligence after improperly filling oil into a portable space heater, causing the blaze.

"[Lake] caused the oil to spill which was ignited by the hot heating coils which [Lake] had not allowed to cool," the lawsuit reads. "The flaming oil quickly caught hold and began to burn items inside the property. [Lake] failed or did not attempt to extinguish the fire."

People reports that the owner is seeking unspecified damages for the $20,000-a-month house. Following the fire, Lake expressed "gratitude and blessings" that no one was harmed but urged people to invest in fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.