Officials determined that a methamphetamine lab caused the fire that extensively damaged a structure at 409 N. Main St., Ada, on Wednesday afternoon. 

Officers arrested an occupant of the apartment, Karen Troglin, for assembly and/or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs. Other charges may be added in the future since the case remains under investigation.

The fire was investigated by the Hardin County Crime Task Force and Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The two-story house contained an upstairs and downstairs apartment. The fire began in the downstairs apartment. The structure was fully engulfed when responders arrived at 2:30 p.m. Ada-Liberty fire and rescue were assisted by units from Lafayette, Alger, McGuffey, and Hardin Northern as well as the local police and sheriff's office.

No one in the apartment was injured.

Two years ago, almost to the day, a fire in a duplex on SR 235 south of Ada was caused by a meth lab.

American Red Cross responds

The American Red Cross North Central Ohio Chapter responded to the fire, aiding the two families involved.

The Red Cross provided assistance for immediate needs such as temporary lodging, food and clothing to those affected said said Todd James, Executive Director, North Central Ohio Chapter.

What is methamphetamine (meth)?

Lorene Bartos, a Nebraska extension educator, wrote in "Nebline Newsletter" about the dangers of meth labs to others in the house, to neighbors, and about the volatility of the mixture. She wrote:

"Do you know where your children are? Do you know what your neighbors are doing or what is going on in your community? These might seem like easy to answer questions or not a problem. Are you aware there may be a "hidden danger" -- methamphetamine -- in your community?"

Meth is an extremely addictive, illegal drug commonly referred to as meth, crank, crystal, speed, chalk, glass, ice or zip.

Most methamphetamine is produced in clandestine or hidden laboratories. Labs can be located in homes, apartments, hotel and motel rooms, garages, vehicles, storage sheds, barns, vacant buildings, outdoors and in ditches. 

Remote locations are often chosen to conceal the smell of chemicals.

Meth can be easily produced or cooked using ordinary -- though toxic -- household chemicals in combination with ephedrine or pseudoephedrine found in common asthma and cold remedies sold over the counter. 

These ingredients and the needed equipment can be easily purchased from drug stores, supermarkets, hardware stores, feed stores and farm supply outlets.