Cause of Microtel Fire Still Unknown

Fire officials aren't sure yet what caused out at before 5 p.m. Friday, but they expect to know for sure within a week.

Jackson Fire Chief Tracy Hogue said the prompt response of Stark County fire departments helped save two-thirds of the building that day.

"This just shows how mutual aid works," Hogue told North Canton Patch today. "No one department in Stark County could have handled that alone."

Responding agencies included Jackson Township, Plain Township, Green, Greentown and fire departments. The departments used their aerial apparatus equipment to extinguish the fire in under 45 minutes, Hogue said.

The building was evacuated before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported.

I-77 was closed in both directions, from Shuffel Street to Everhard Road, because of the fire. It reopened about 5:50 p.m.