Authorities Investigating Chimney Fire on S. 5th (UPDATE)

(EFFINGHAM FIREFIGHTERS USED AN EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT A CHIMNEY FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION AT 608 S. 5TH STREET)

A person is in custody in the aftermath of a chimney fire in a house at 608 S. 5th in Effingham Wednesday afternoon.

Effingham city police arrested 31-year-old Justin S. Shadwell of Effingham on counts of obstructing a peace officer, that being a firefighter, as well as residential arson. Shadwell was seen attempting to run from the scene, but police gave chase and made the arrest. He is being held in Effingham County Jail and will make his initial court appearance today.

The call came around 3:30pm. The house is owned by Fred Moore and occupied by Amber McCord.

Effingham Fire Chief Joe Holomy said the fire apparently began in the basement and went up through the chimney. Smoke was seen coming from the chimney. Effingham firefighters went onto the roof of the single story frame house and used an extinguisher to put out the fire.

Firefighters said there was no apparent damage to the main portion of the home, but a burn pattern could be seen around some of the house's foundation. Holomy said a fire investigator was being called in to examine the scene.

Effingham City and Illinois State Police assisted firefighters at the scene.