Large Blaze Damages Hotel in Stark County

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Multiple fire departments in Stark County responded to a hotel fire that, at one point, shut down a portion of Interstate 77 Friday afternoon.

According to the Jackson Township Fire Department, firefighters were called to the Microtel Hotel on Sunset Strip Avenue in North Canton, at around 4:45 p.m.

Flames could be seen shooting from the roof when they arrived. Fire officials believe the blaze started in one of the rooms before spreading to the building’s attic.

Hotel guests were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. One firefighter, however, was treated for smoke inhalation.

The hotel suffered significant damage, although the extent is not yet known. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was monitoring traffic on I-77 due to low visibility from the smoke. The lanes that were earlier closed were reopened just before 6 p.m.

Stick with Fox 8 News and FOX8.com for updates on this story as they become available.