One person was killed in a house fire early Wednesday morning in the City of Canton, and authorities said it was set on purpose.
Investigators with the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) ruled the fire in was caused by arson. Investigators with SFM’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau are now seeking tips from the public to help identify those responsible.
News 5 followed fire crews as they surrounded a burning home and shut down the roadway.
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Crews were called to the 200 block of Lincoln Avenue Northwest around 1:30 Wednesday morning.
They immediately got to work and discovered the body of an adult man. Firefighters believe the man was a resident of the home.
On Thursday, the Stark County Coroner positively identified the deceased as 66-year-old Frank Campbell. The cause of death has not been determined yet.
"Pulled lines off and attempted to start to fight the fire. They found the body right inside the door of one adult male deceased," Canton Division Chief Steve Henderson said.
Our Overnight News Tracker captured siding melted off the home, charred exterior walls and fire officials taking photos of the aftermath.
"It took them approximately 10 to 12 minutes to get the fire under control. We had some pretty close exposures that they were able to protect," Henderson said.
Fire officials said that evidence found at the scene by investigators indicated the fire was intentionally set.
"It's terrible. Anybody that can do something like that who walks the Earth is disturbing," Henderson said.
Anyone with information on this fire is asked to call the Canton Fire Department at 330-649-5900 or the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728. Callers can remain anonymous, and all tips will be thoroughly investigated.
There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Stay with News 5 for the breaking developments.
