Authorities Investigating Fire on Northwest Side (UPDATE)

Firefighters are investigating the cause of a fire in a modular home on the city's northwest side that occurred Tuesday morning. Authorities are listing it as an "incendiary fire". One of the people found at the fire scene has been arrested for his alleged role in the incident.

The call came shortly before 9am regarding a report of smoke coming out of the residence at 203 Lakewood Manor Drive, as well as reports of an individual hanging out of a window in the residence.

Firefighters found light smoke coming from the residence. One occupant was sitting on the ground outside and told firefighters that a second individual was still inside the structure. The second occupant managed to exit the structure on his own.

Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire, and a search of the residence was completed to ensure no one else was in the home. The back bottom of a chair was found burning, as well as some clothes hanging on the chair.

One occupant, Barry McGee, was transported to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital by Rural Med EMS for treatment of injuries. The other occupant was Delphin Roqueta, Jr. He was not injured.

The 60-year-old McGee was later arrested on a charge of aggravated arson. He is being held in Effingham County Jail.

(EFFINGHAM POLICE AND FIRE OFFICIALS WERE ON HAND AT TUESDAY MORNING'S FIRE SCENE)

The Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office was called in to conduct the fire investigation with the assistance of the Effingham Fire Department and the Effingham Police Department. Assistant Fire Chief Matt Kulesza said Roqueta was on the phone in his bedroom when he smelled smoke. Roqueta said he yelled at McGee that the house was on fire. McGee got out on his own, as did Roqueta. 

Effingham Fire Department was assisted by Effingham City Dispatch, Effingham Police Department, Rural Med EMS, Ameren Gas, Norris Electric, Shumway FPD, Teutopolis PFD, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office.