Police have charged a Troy man with starting a house fire in the 100 block of Orion Street last week.

Calvin Butler, 55, is charged with first-degree arson in connection with the blaze.

Firefighters responded to the scene of the fire at approximately 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 22.

“Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were observed coming from the rear of the residence,” said Troy Police Chief Randall Barr. “The occupants were outside when officers arrived.”

Fire Chief Michael Stephens said the two occupants were inside when the fire began. Firefighters had the fire under control within 10 minutes.

During the course of the fire investigation, Butler was identified as a suspect for arson.

Because people were inside the home at the time, he was charged with first-degree arson, a Class A Felony punishable by 20 years to life in prison.

Butler turned himself in to the Troy Police Department. He has been booked into the Pike County Jail on $50,000 bond. The case remains under investigation by the Troy Police Department, Troy Fire Marshal and State Fire Marshal’s Office.

No injuries were reported.