An Effingham County man was charged with arson Monday after admitting to investigators he set a house on fire while he was high on drugs.

Ronald Heath, 58, of Guyton intentionally started a fire at 134 Second Street in Pinora around 4 a.m. by lighting a paper towel on fire in the kitchen, according to the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.

“Heath told deputies he started the fire because he was high on methamphetamine and was upset because his drug dealer would not come back and party with him,” said ECSO spokesman Detective David Ehsanipoor.

The fire spread throughout the home and caused “extensive damage,” according to investigators.

Heath lived at the home, which he rented, Ehsanipoor said.

Heath was arrested and charged with first-degree arson. He was taken to the Effingham County Jail.