CANTON, Ohio — One person was found dead in Canton when firefighters responded to the scene of an overnight house fire in the 200 block of Lincoln Avenue Northwest. Investigators have ruled the fire as arson and are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Firefighters responded to the scene at 1:27 a.m. Wednesday for a structure fire in a two-and-a-half story residential structure.
"When crews arrived, they found heavy fire in the front of the house," according to a press release from the Canton Fire Department. "While entering the front door to suppress the fire, they found the body of a deceased adult male behind the door."
The victim has been identified as 66-year-old Frank Campbell.
Firefighters extinguished the flames and “were able to protect two very close exposures next to the home.” Officials say there was heavy damage from the fire, which means the home will likely need to be razed.
No firefighters were hurt.
The State Fire Marshal has ruled the fatal Canton fire as caused by arson. In a release, SFM officials say that video captured by witnesses show "multiple persons of interest fleeing the scene at the time of the fire."
A reward of $5,000 is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Investigators are asking anybody with information about this incident to call the State Fire Marshal's tip line at 800-589-2728. Callers can remain anonymous and the SFM says all tips will be "thoroughly investigated."