Cape fire likely started by heater

The fire that destroyed a home near Cape Girardeau late Friday was probably started by a heater, fire officials said.

Gordonville fire chief Mark Koerber said the blaze at 209 Hillvale Drive started in the center of the home, in the living room/kitchen area. There, firefighters found a kerosene heater and an electric heater.

Koerber said a heater could have been placed too close to combustible material or the second heater could have had an electrical problem.

Firefighters responded to the home of Larraine and Brad Brown at about 9:30 p.m. Friday, and the house was fully involved by the time they arrived.