Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Effingham Fire Department received a call for a report of smoke coming out of the residence at 203 Lakewood Manor Dr. on 4/11/2023 at 0845 and reports of an individual hanging from a window. Upon arrival, there was light smoke coming from the residence. One occupant was sitting on the ground outside and advised that a second occupant was still inside the structure. The second occupant managed to exit the structure on his own safely. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire, and a primary search of the residence was completed to ensure no other occupants. One patient was transported to St. Anthony Hospital by Rural Med for treatment of injuries. The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, in cooperation with the Effingham Fire Department and Effingham Police Department, concluded their investigation into the cause of the fire.
The fire has been determined as incendiary in nature and an arrest has been made by the Effingham Police Department. Barry A. McGee, 60, Effingham, was taken into custody on 4/11/23 by Effingham Police and booked into Effingham County Jail at 1520 hours for one count of Aggravated Arson, which is a Class X felony and upon conviction is punishable by 6-30 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. At his arraignment Wednesday morning, bond was set at $50,000 with 10% to apply. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Firefighters were on the scene for just under an hour. Effingham Fire Department was assisted by Effingham City Dispatch, Effingham Police Department, Rural Med EMS, Ameren Gas, Norris Electric, Shumway FPD, Teutopolis FPD, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office.
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