Effingham man arrested on arson charge following early morning trailer fire

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — An Effingham man is under arrest on suspicion of starting a fire that spread to a nearby trailer, all while people were sleeping inside.

Effingham Police officials said the fire happened at Lakewood Manor Trailer Park at 1:29 a.m. on Sunday. Officers arrived first and found a fire had started close to a trailer and started burning the outside of the trailer. Officers were able to quickly smother the fire with an extinguisher and arriving firefighters confirmed the fire was out using a thermal imaging camera.

The fire caused an estimated $1,000 worth of damage to the trailer, but the adult and two children inside were not hurt.

Within two-and-a-half hours of the fire, officers determined that the fire had been set intentionally and had a suspect in custody — 46-year-old Michael McWhorter. He was booked into the Effingham County Jail at 4 a.m. on a Class X felony count of aggravated arson.

Officials said evidence indicated that the fire was set as a random act and that McWhorter acted alone. There is no additional threat to the community.

Effingham’s Police and Fire Chiefs both praised the responding personnel for their actions in preventing a tragedy and for their collaboration.

“The rapid response by both Effingham City officers and firefighters prevented what could have been a tragedy, given that this occurred in the middle of the night and a family was sleeping in the affected residence,” said Police Chief Jason McFarland. “Because of that quick action and diligence, the person responsible for this act was immediately arrested and is now detained in Effingham County Jail.”

“I would like to extend my gratitude to the police department for their seamless collaboration and support. The teamwork between our departments is crucial in both combating these fires and initiating a thorough investigation,” said Fire Chief Brant Yochum. “Together, we remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring the continued safety of our community.”

McWhorter’s initial court hearing was Monday morning. He was denied pretrial release, and his next hearing will be on July 18.

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