Man Rescued from Fire Near Neoga that Destroyed Four Structures

A Neoga Fire Protection District Lieutenant is being recognized for his work to save the life of a man whose mobile home caught on fire.

Cameron Finney is being commended for his efforts to rescue the man. 

Neoga firefighters were called out just after 2am Thursday to Prahl's Drive near Lake Mattoon, outside Neoga. Two residences and two garages were involved in the fire. While Neoga firefighters were reaching the scene and going to work to fight the fire, individuals out in front of the structures indicated there was man inside one of the mobile homes. 

As Lieutenant Finney neared the front door of the structure, the man inside was spotted about 15 feet from the front door. Finney assisted the man in getting out onto the front porch of the structure to get some fresh air, then helped him to the front yard. Finney then to get help to give the man medical assistance. 

The man was transported to the hospital, and has since been treated then released.

When Finney returned to the structure with a hose line to begin fighting the fire, it was found that fire was already occupying the attic space and the ceiling soon collapsed. Those on scene said that without Finney's intervention, the man would not likely have been able to get out of the home safely. 

A Facebook post by the Neoga Fire Protection District indicates that this is the first documented rescue of a civilian in the history of the fire district.

Neoga Fire and Ambulance were assisted by Sigel Fire Department, Wabash Fire Protection District, and Windsor Fire Protection District. Firefighters were able to clear the scene at 4:30am. All four structures were deemed total losses.