PERRYVILLE — A 59-year-old woman has been charged with arson in connection with a Christmas Day mobile home fire in Perryville.
According to reports, Rhonda A. Zahner has been charged with second-degree arson, first-degree property damage, and fourth-degree assault, for allegedly kicking a jailer following her arrest. She is being held on a $50,000 bond.
An official with the Missouri Division of Fire Safety said, “(The fire) is listed as a criminal investigation that is ongoing.”
The fire at 120 Shannie Road, in a trailer park on Route B was reported about 12:20 p.m.
On arrival firefighters found heavy fire and smoke coming from the home. The single occupant of the home was away at the time and none of the firefighters suffered any injury. The ambulances which responded to the fire were allowed to leave, except for one that remained at the scene to provide rehab to firefighters and handle potential injuries.
The Biehle Fire Department was called to the scene to provide manpower and a tanker.
The shell of the home was still standing when the fire was extinguished, but the interior was gutted.
Firefighters were back in their quarters by 4 p.m.