A report of a fire and suspected drug use at a homeless camp behind Aldi brought Portsmouth police to Gallia Street just before 3 a.m.
The caller told dispatchers that something was burning in the wooded camp and that someone at the site appeared to be using drugs.
When officers arrived, they investigated the complaint and took Mark Adkins into custody on a drug possession charge.
The police report did not say what caused the fire, how large it was, or whether anyone was injured.
Adkins later appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court. He was released on his own recognizance, meaning he did not have to post a cash bond, and was ordered to return for a hearing on July 2.
Court and arrest records show Adkins has previously been arrested on charges including domestic violence, aggravated menacing, OVI, driving under suspension, assault, having weapons while under disability, disorderly conduct, grand theft, criminal trespass, and child endangering.
The current drug possession charge is an allegation. Adkins is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.