NEWARK - A 33-year-old male was hospitalized after a Newark house fire that investigators believe was started by the manufacturing of drugs.

The apparent vacant house fire in Newark on Wednesday morning marked the 20th structure fire the Newark Division of Fire has responded to in 2020.

Around 7:58 a.m. Wednesday, Newark Division of Fire responded to 208 Essex St. for a reported fire. Newark Fire Chief Patrick Connor said one adult male was taken to OSU Medical Center for what were described as "extensive burns to much of his body."

The man's name was not released.

Connor said the structure appears to be vacant and less than an hour after they were called to the fire, an investigator was on scene. Connor said their agency has called the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office to assist in the investigation.

Wednesday's fire marks the 12th structure fire Newark Division of Fire has responded to within the city limits in 2020.

More: After string of 'suspicious' fires, Newark fire chief asks community to be vigilant

Since Jan. 1, the agency has also responded to some structure fires in the surrounding areas, including Heath, Newark Township and Newton Township, bringing their total to 20 for this year. Included in those 20 are three buildings affected by a Feb. 23 Wyoming Street garage fire.

While all the fires remain under investigation, information provided to The Advocate through a records request shows at least six structures were found to be vacant and at least nine fires have been determined to have been started through a human act, some of which involved illicit drug activity.

According to Connor, a human act essentially means someone set a fire, but whether it was intentional or unintentional remains under investigation.

Fire investigators have determined two structure fires to be arson.

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Citing the ongoing investigation, Connor declined to release information about whether the agency has identified any suspects or people of interest in the fires labeled as arson.

On Friday, Connor said fire investigators don't believe the city is dealing with a serial arsonist. A press release from the agency noted homelessness and drug activity appear to be a factor in many of the structure fires.

Since Jan. 1, three people have been injured in fires across the city of Newark. A woman was hospitalized for burns and a child for smoke inhalation following a Hoover Street fire last month.

Connor expressed concern that if these fires continue, someone will get hurt.

Last week, the Newark Division of Fire put out a press release, asking the city's residents who live in a neighborhood with a vacant structure to pay attention, be a good neighbor, and contact Newark's fire marshal if they see any suspicious activity happening in any vacant home in their area.

On Monday, Connor told The Advocate that the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office is assisting them in the investigation. He said Newark Division of Fire is working hard for their community.

To contact the Newark Fire Marshal, call 740-670-7664.