The victim in a fatal shed fire in Stark County has been identified as Brian Wakefield, 41, according to Tammy Wilkes of the Stark County Coroner’s Office.
Fire crews were dispatched at approximately 5:20 p.m. Thursday to the 2600 block of Kirby Avenue Northeast following a report of a shed fire with a possible person inside. Upon arrival at 5:24 p.m., firefighters encountered light smoke coming from a 10-by-12-foot shed, officials said.
Crews located Wakefield inside the structure around 5:25 p.m. and removed him from the shed. Firefighters immediately began CPR, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said Wakefield lived at the same address as the fire.
The Canton Police Department and the Stark County Coroner’s Office responded to assist with the investigation. A crisis response team was also called to support the victim’s family and residents.
Officials said the cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation.
No firefighters were injured.
The incident has been classified as a residential structure fire. Authorities reported one fatality and estimated property damage at $1,000 to the structure and $500 to its contents.
