Arson Suspect to Make First Court Appearance on Wednesday

The man arrested on an arson charge following Monday's apartment house fire in Effingham will make his initial court appearance on the charge on Wednesday.

26-year-old Joseph M. Wrischnik of Effingham was booked into Effingham County Jail on a single count of Arson-Residential, a Class 1 felony that carries up to a 15-year prison sentence if he's convicted.

(WRISCHNIK)

Authorities were called about 2:45pm to the apartment building, which at one time was a single-family home, but now housed seven apartment units, only one of which was rented at the time. The structure has been deemed a total loss. No injuries to civilians or responders were reported, and no other structures were damaged.

Effingham, Teutopolis and Shumway firefighters battled the fire, while companies from Altamont and Montrose staffed the Effingham stations in case of another fire call.

Meanwhile, Effingham City Police were called to assist with traffic control, and also began to investigate allegations that the fire had been intentionally set.

Firefighters had the fire extinguished by about 7pm, and the scene was turned over to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for further investigation.

Wrischnik was taken into custody at the fire scene. His initial court appearance on Wednesday will be to set his bond.

Effingham City Police Chief Jason McFarland complimented the teamwork of all agencies involved.