MADISON TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Authorities arrested a man they say started an early-morning fire that destroyed a clubhouse at a Lake County country club.

Paul Forner, 51, of Chardon is accused of setting the March 12 blaze that left Madison Country Club in ruins. U.S. Marshals and Madison Township police officers arrested Forner on Monday.

Forner is in custody at the Lake County Sheriff's Office on charges of aggravated arson and disrupting a public service. If convicted, he could face up to 11 years in prison, officials said.

Information on Forner's upcoming court appearances was not immediately available.

It took about 24 fire departments from three counties to battle the massive blaze, which broke out about 1 a.m. Nobody was injured, but crews were evacuated at one point because the structure was unstable.

Officials say the building, which housed the clubhouse facilities and dining room, was almost 100 years old. Lake County records show its appraised value as $323,580.

The owner of the country club, Rollin Cooke, is in negotiations with his insurance company in regards to rebuilding the clubhouse, said Randy Klammer, Cooke's attorney.

"Rollin was devastated the day the club burned to the ground," Klammer said. "It was one of his greatest passions and he's heartbroken to hear about the arrest today."

The golf course and pro shop are still open for business.