Arson caused the fire that took the life of a North Side man earlier this month, Columbus police said yesterday.

Kenneth W. French, 39, died July 7 when a fire swept through his home at 1044 Loretta Ave. Police are ruling his death a homicide.

Columbus has had 85 homicides this year.

The fire broke out about 3 a.m., trapping French and Joyce Marcee, 35, inside the house. They were asleep when the fire started, police said.

Marcee was taken to Ohio State University Hospitals with second- and third-degree burns over 30 percent of her body. She is in the burn unit in good condition.

Police released no other details in the case.