Fire Destroys Mobile Home in Effingham

A mobile home is a total loss after an overnight fire in Effingham.

Firefighters were called at 12:42am Wednesday to 77 Lakewood Manor Drive, the home of Cheryl Peno. Peno told firefighters she was awakened by a burning sensation in her throat and when she woke up, she found heavy smoke conditions and flames in the hallway of the structure. Peno exited the mobile home through the back door, which happened to be just outside her bedroom.

Peno was treated at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, then released.

The mobile home and contents are a total loss and are valued at an estimated $23,000. A mobile home next door, at 76 Lakewood Manor Drive, sustained heat damage to the exterior, but the occupant was allowed to return to the structure.

Arriving firefighters found heavy fire conditions and began protecting the structure next door while also working on the home on fire. The fire was reported under control at 1:09am. Effingham firefighters were assisted by crews from Teutopolis and Watson.

The owner of the Peno residence, Terry Allsop was out of town on business.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Red Cross was called to assist Peno with temporary housing. There were no working smoke detectors in the home.

Crews cleared the scene at 2:35am.