by Canton, Ohio – Firefighters in northern Ohio responded to a dangerous duplex fire late on Christmas night, successfully rescuing several people and two dogs while preventing further loss of life, authorities confirmed.
The fire broke out just before 11 p.m. in a residential duplex in Canton, prompting an emergency response from local crews, according to reports from Cleveland CBS affiliate WOIO.
Incident Summary
Crews were dispatched to the scene after reports of heavy smoke and flames coming from one side of the duplex. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered active fire conditions with flames pushing through a window of the affected unit.
A woman who had been inside the unit where the fire started was able to evacuate safely before firefighters arrived, officials said.
Timeline of Events
Firefighters arrived before 11 p.m. and immediately began suppression efforts while searching for additional occupants. During their operations, crews discovered residents in the adjacent unit who were unable to exit safely due to the fire conditions next door.
Firefighters removed one man and one woman from the neighboring unit and escorted them to safety, according to WOIO. Crews also located and rescued two dogs, carrying them out of the building as the fire continued to burn.
Firefighter and Community Response
The Canton Firefighters IAFF Local 249 later shared images from the scene on social media, highlighting the challenges crews faced during the late-night holiday emergency.
“Third shift battling a late Christmas shift fire!” the union wrote alongside photos showing heavy flames venting from the structure.
Official Statements
The Canton Fire Department confirmed that the unit where the fire originated suffered extensive damage, while the neighboring unit sustained less severe impacts thanks to quick containment.
One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the response but was able to remain on duty, officials said.
Damage Assessment and Investigation
Authorities estimated the fire caused approximately $70,000 in property damage. Investigators are continuing to examine the scene to determine the exact cause of the blaze. No additional injuries were reported among residents or emergency responders.
Fire Safety Reminder
Officials remind residents that fires can spread rapidly, especially in multi-unit buildings like duplexes. Working smoke detectors, clear exit routes, and having a basic evacuation plan can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death during a fire.
Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbors during emergencies and to include pets in evacuation planning whenever possible.
Conclusion
Thanks to the rapid response and coordinated efforts of Canton firefighters, multiple residents and two pets were safely rescued from a potentially deadly Christmas night fire. While the blaze caused significant property damage, officials say the outcome could have been far worse without the swift actions of emergency crews.
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