An area man remains in critical condition after an explosion and fire destroyed his house outside of Newark.

WHIZ Reporter Gabe Ross went to Licking County to find out more.

Just before midnight Sunday night, neighbors in this small community near Vanatta were awakened by a loud explosion.

This is all that remains of 36 Utah Avenue.

Fire Department officials are calling the house a total loss.

"I walked up there, and saw the guy was on fire, and the woman...