Early Morning Fire Damages Mobile Home in Effingham

Effingham firefighters handled a residential structure fire early Thursday morning in Lakewood Manor Mobile Home Park.

(A VIEW OF THE REAR OF THE MOBILE HOME)

Firefighters were dispatched at 12:38am to 207 Lakewood Manor Drive in the mobile home park near Lake Pauline on the city's northwest side. Effingham city police arrived first and reported heavy fire showing, with a van in the driveway and no occupants out front. First arriving crews reported heavy fire conditions with fire through the roof at the rear of the unit. A Full Still alarm was called at 12:48am for a working structure fire; Teutopolis and Watson firefighters changed quarters to cover the Effingham stations with engines. Firefighters forced their way into the residence and began a primary search for any occupants. No occupants were found inside. 

Effingham Fire Chief Joe Holomy said the fire was under control at 1:01am. He said the fire is believed to have originated in a rear bedroom. All utilities were secured by Ameren at 1:35am. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

(A VIEW OF THE FRONT OF THE MOBILE HOME)

No injuries were reported. Holomy said the mobile home and all contents are a total loss. He said Richard and Pamela Atkins own the mobile home, but efforts to make contact with them have been unsuccessful. It's believed they are out-of-state visiting friends and relatives.

The mobile home at 209 Lakewood Manor Drive sustained radiant heat damage due to the fire.

Firefighters cleared the scene at 2:44am.