Arson Suspected in Early Morning House Fire

The Newark Fire Department’s arson squad is investigating a suspicious fire that broke out at a vacant home early Wednesday morning, Capt. John Brown said.

The fire, which started around 5:30 am, caused heavy damage to a two-family residence at 223 6th Ave., Brown said. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes. No one was hurt.

The fire had “multiple points of origin,” Brown added. Investigators took statements from two eyewitnesses, Brown also said.

A “person of interest” was questioned and released, Brown added, but the investigation is still open.