A Sharon man was charged Tuesday with setting a Thanksgiving morning fire at a vacant house on Second Avenue in the city.

Frank E. Metz Jr., 45, of 93 Second Ave., is charged with arson, burglary and risking a catastrophe for allegedly starting a fire at 104 Second Ave.

Firefighters were called at 5:18 a.m. Nov. 22 to battle the blaze, which Fire Chief Terry Whalen said was one of 14 arson fires in the city last year.

The house is owned by Shirley Elliott, according to records in the Mercer County tax assessment office. Her address is unknown.

Sharon police picked up Metz on warrants at 9:43 a.m. outside his home, police said.

An investigation by Sharon police and fire departments and Pennsylvania State Police fire marshals led to issuing warrants for Metz, Sharon police Chief Mike Menster said.

“The police have done a fantastic job with their investigation and working with the fire marshal,” Whalen said.

Metz allegedly used gasoline to start the fire, Menster said, and police are investigating the possibility that he could be connected to other fires in the city and that neighborhood.

According to court documents, police recorded a conversation between Metz and a confidential informant on Feb. 27 at a Sharon bar and grill in which Metz said he poured gas on a couch in the house and that there was no way authorities could prove he set the fire. Other information on the recording showed Metz had specific knowledge relative to the fire, the criminal complaint said.

A state police fire marshal confirmed that what Metz said was consistent with findings at the scene, according to the complaint.

Metz was arraigned by District Judge James E. McMahon and taken to Mercer County Jail after failing to post $25,000 bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing April 10 before McMahon.

With the weather getting warmer, Whalen recommends people keep an eye on what’s going on in their neighborhood and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

In September, fires were set at vacant houses at 234 First Ave., 388 Orchard Ave., 298 and 308 N. Sharpsville Ave., 151 First and twice at a garage at 225 Orchard. Businesses at 132 W. Budd St. and 530 S. Dock St. were also set on fire. Halloween night a vacant house at 296 Florence St. was set ablaze.

A then-17-year-old boy affiliated with the Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department was charged with arson, burglary, criminal trespassing, risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief for allegedly setting the second fire at the Orchard garage.

No charges have been filed against anyone for setting any of the other fires.