A late-night house fire Sunday in southwest Canton left one man dead and forced 10 people from their homes, fire officials said.
The Canton Fire Department responded at about 9:26 p.m. Sunday to a reported residential structure fire at a two-and-a-half-story home in the 1000 block of Fifth Street SW. Initial reports indicated the residence was occupied at the time.
When crews arrived, heavy fire was coming from the front of the house. Power lines were sparking, and flames were extending toward and impinging on a neighboring structure, officials said. Firefighters immediately began suppressing the blaze at the primary residence while also working to protect the adjacent building and conducting a search for occupants.
After about an hour of firefighting operations, the fire was largely brought under control. During the primary search of the home, firefighters found a deceased adult male on the first floor. Authorities are withholding the victim’s identity pending notification of next of kin.
The neighboring building sustained significant fire damage and has been deemed uninhabitable. Ten residents were displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
No firefighter injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
