Inspection Of Mobile Home Did Not Include Furnace

An inspection before occupancy of a mobile home in Okawville that was destroyed by fire last week did not include determining if the furnace was in working order.

Inspector Scott Meinhardt said that determining there is a source of heat is required, but determining if it is working is not required.

Sheri McCarty, the occupant of a mobile home that was destroyed by fire November 30, said that two heaters were provided by the owner of the Washington Springs Mobile Home Park because the furnace did not work.

Meinhardt inspected the mobile home in September 2020. Inspections are required before a new occupant can move to a residence.

Mayor Dave Jasper said that he will check with Mascoutah and New Baden about whether they require the inspection to determine if a furnace is in working order. Okawville inspections are patterned after those towns, he said.

McCarty was renting-to-buy the mobile home where she lived with her two children. They were not home when the fire started. The family is staying at The Original Springs Hotel until they find other housing .