Officials discover cause of fatal Canton fire

Fire investigators have determined cause of a fire that killed a man last week in the city of Canton.

According to Canton Fire Division Chief Steve Henderson, the cause of the fire has been determined to be “Accidental-careless smoking,” likely a discarded cigarette.

A fire engulfed an occupied apartment building on Trinity Pl. NW late Thursday night, prompting a response from the Canton Fire Department.

The fire, which started in a basement apartment, quickly spread, filling the entire structure with thick smoke and making it challenging for residents on the upper floors to escape.

One male occupant, who was pulled to safety from the apartment where the fire originated, sustained life-threatening injuries. He was immediately rushed to Cleveland Clinic Mercy hospital for medical attention but later died. He’s been identified as 71-year-old Ronald Mikes.

Firefighters rescued two individuals trapped on the second floor who had been forced to seek safety near their windows.

Two other occupants suffered only non-life-threatening injuries and were treated on-site by paramedics.