Barberton Fatal Fire, Investigation, Mutual Aid Highlight Late-Night Blaze Above Bar Shannon

BARBERTON, Ohio – A late-night Barberton apartment fire in units above Bar Shannon on 16th Street Northwest left one person dead and another injured late Wednesday, according to Barberton fire officials.

Fire Breaks Out Above Bar Shannon

Barberton fire crews were dispatched around 11:42 p.m. to the 100 block of 16th Street NW for reports of smoke, flames and possibly people trapped in second-floor apartments above the neighborhood bar.

Arriving firefighters found heavy smoke and fire pouring from second-story windows. Crews made entry and worked from both inside and outside the building, bringing the Barberton apartment fire under control shortly after midnight, around 12:16 a.m.

One Victim Killed, One Transported to Hospital

According to the department’s news release, one victim was located outside the structure and transported to Barberton Hospital by the New Franklin Fire Department. A second victim was later found deceased inside the building.

No further information on the victims, including names, ages or conditions, has been released at this time.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the Barberton apartment fire remains under investigation. The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Summit County Coroner are working with local officials to determine what sparked the blaze and how it spread through the second-floor living spaces.

Authorities say additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Mutual Aid and Local Response

The incident drew a significant mutual-aid response. Fire crews from New Franklin, Coventry and Norton assisted Barberton firefighters on scene. Barberton police helped secure the area and manage traffic and bystanders during the response.

City officials expressed appreciation for the assistance from neighboring departments and agencies.

Recent Fire Activity in Barberton

This deadly Barberton apartment fire follows other notable fire responses in the community over the past year, including a major downtown building fire that caused a roof collapse and another apartment fire in which a body was discovered. Investigators have not indicated any connection between those cases and the Bar Shannon incident.

Community Impact and Next Steps

The fire damaged apartments above a busy local bar, disrupting both residents and neighboring businesses along 16th Street NW. Officials are working to confirm how many tenants were displaced and what assistance they may need in the coming days.

Anyone who may have seen unusual activity near Bar Shannon late Wednesday night or has information about the Barberton apartment fire is encouraged to contact local authorities.