Authorities say meth lab present at site of Themis Street apartment fire

A late-morning fire at an apartment building in downtown Cape Girardeau happened in a unit containing a methamphetamine lab, authorities said Tuesday.

Firefighters arrived at the scene just before 11:30 a.m. to find fire coming from the top floor of the multifamily brick structure at 739 Themis St.

Neighbors said they saw flames shooting out of the windows facing Ellis Street, and smoke pouring from the broken window of the Themis-facing side of the apartment could be seen for several blocks.

The fire was contained before noon, but not before causing heavy fire, smoke and water damage to the upstairs apartment, and smoke damage through the upper floors, firefighters said. No one was injured, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

"The building is still standing and no one was killed. That's a good thing," battalion chief Fred Vincel said.

Police blocked traffic on Themis Street between Ellis and Sprigg streets.

Two building tenants watched as firefighters moved in and out of the building. They sought shelter at neighbors' homes.

Pertinent address:

739 Themis St., Cape Girardeau, MO