Jefferson City house fire ruled an arson

A Jefferson City man is accused of arson after a fire investigation Wednesday.

Cole County deputies and Cole County Fire Protection District personnel responded to a report of a house fire in the 2700 block of Schott Road at approximately 7:50 p.m. Wednesday, according to a Cole County Sheriff's Department news release.

A 41-year-old man reportedly was found in the basement of the residence armed with a shotgun and in an "intoxicated condition."

Authorities ruled the fire an arson and contacted the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office.

The man, whose name has not been released pending filing of formal charges, will be charged with first-degree arson and unlawful use of a weapon, according to the Sheriff's Department.