Early morning fire inflicts pricy damage on home

Firefighters from three area departments battled a Cape Girardeau house fire early Wednesday morning.

The fire, at 213 S. Middle St., was reported shortly after 1 a.m., according to information from battalion chief Brad Dillow of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department. On arrival, firefighters saw heavy smoke and fire from the roof on the north side of the building.

The house's occupant was out, and reported no one else was inside.

Fire crews attempted to fight the blaze from inside the home, but were ordered out because of rapidly deteriorating conditions. They remained outside until the fire was down enough to re-enter.

Firefighters from Scott City, Jackson, East County and Gordonville provided mutual aid. The Scott City and Jackson departments were called to the scene, while East County and Gordonville fire districts and off-duty Cape Girardeau firefighters filled in at the Cape Girardeau stations.

Crews were on the scene for about three hours. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, but the fire department said the fire started on the first floor near the water heater and is considered accidental.

The wood frame, 1 1/2-story house has extensive fire and smoke damage. The damage is estimated at $95,000.

Pertinent address:

213 S. Middle St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.