A Jefferson City residence at 1207 East McCarty Street that was destroyed as a result of a fire early Sunday morning was determined to have been intentionally set.
A joint investigation between the Jefferson City Police Department, Jefferson City Fire Department and Missouri State Fire Marshall's Office resulted in the apprehension of James Stude, a 31 year-old Jefferson City resident, who was taken into custody for first-degree arson.
According to investigators, the fire was started in the kitchen through the use of ignitable liquid and spread throughout the house, engulfing the home and resulting in a total loss.
During the course of controlling and eliminating the fire, one Jefferson City fire fighter was transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained during the event.
Stude told investigators he went on the front porch of the residence and unhooked and opened the gas line that went to a kitchen stove. He then spread a can of lighter fluid on the floor, leading toward the gas line and admitted to lighting the flammable liquid before leaving the residence.
Stude is currently incarcerated at the Cole County Jail.