Faulty furnace suspected in smoky fire in apartment building

Cape Girardeau firefighters quickly responded to heavy black smoke reported at an apartment building at 211 Bellevue St. on Monday.

Firefighters responded to the structure fire at 5:45 p.m.

Firefighters disconnected the natural gas line and stopped the smoke.

Resident Brittney Hanner said the smoke began pouring out of a vent in her downstairs apartment, filling the bedroom and kitchen before she could get out of the residence.

Hanner, another downstairs resident and an upstairs resident all left the building without injuries.

Battalion Chief Fred Vincel said he thinks the fire started because of the furnace.

He said there was smoke damage in the apartment but no water damage.

Pertinent address: 211 Bellevue St., Cape Girardeau, MO