Fire, Injuries at Mobile Home Early Thursday

Fire did major damage to a mobile home in the Watson Fire Protection District early Thursday morning.

Watson firefighters were called to the residence, the home of Doug and Carol Hewkin, at 3628 North 1500th Street between Watson and Dieterich at 3:03am. The Hewkins lived there with their four children. Firefighters were advised when they were dispatched that there was still a person inside the structure.

Effingham County Sheriff's Department arrived on scene and three deputies were able to remove Carol Hewkin from the residence through a window. 

When firefighters reached the scene, the mobile home was fully involved in fire from one end to the other. The structure and its contents were ruled a total loss.

Watson firefighters report that Carol Hewkin suffered smoke inhalation and was flown by Air Evac to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. Doug Hewkin suffered injury and smoke inhalation while trying to get Carol out of the structure. He was transported by Abbott EMS to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham. A family member who lives next door also suffered injury while trying to help Carol out of the residence. He was flown by Arch Air to Carle Hospital in Urbana. One of the children suffered what were termed minor injuries and was transported by Abbott EMS to HSHS St. Anthony's. Those flown out were transported by Abbott EMS to the respective air bases before being flown to their destinations.

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating the fire. The cause is not yet known. 

Watson firefighters received automatic aid from the Effingham and Shumway Fire Departments, plus Edgewood Bi-County Fire Protection District provided a tender to assist with getting water to the scene. Norris Electric Cooperative also assisted at the scene.