NEW BERLIN – A New Berlin man has been arrested for lighting a Monday night fire at the home where he lived with his parents, sister and brother-in-law.

New York State Police arrested Jeffrey “Yogi” Maxson, 44, of New Berlin Tuesday and charged him with second degree arson, a class B felony.

Chenango County Fire Coordinator Matthew Beckwith said crews responding to the scene were hampered in their efforts to fight the fire by Maxson, describing him as “intoxicated and belligerent.”

New Berlin Fire Department Chief Shawn Patrick was the first firefighter on the scene at 11:40 p.m. Monday, and drove to the family’s one story home at 5156 state Route 8 in his own vehicle.

“There was heavy fire coming from the northern half of the trailer, coming through the windows. When I actually called it in, I reported it was fully involved,” said Patrick.

New York State Police Investigator Jason Besset said Maxson was in the home with two other relatives when the fire began and said alcohol may have been a factor in the incident. He said Maxson’s parents, the homeowners, were not at home when the fire started.

Besset said Maxson, who is unemployed, had been living at the home for the last three weeks.