Fire claims life of family pet

Although a fire at a single-family home on Fountain Street on Monday morning didn't claim any human lives, it did prove fatal for a dog.

Residents at 1113 N. Fountain St. in Cape Girardeau were able to get out of the home safely, but their dog did not survive. One cat was rescued and one was unaccounted for Monday afternoon.

Battalion chief Brad Dillow said the cause of the fire was accidental. A plastic toolbox was placed on top of a stove, and then the control switch for the burner beneath the toolbox was bumped, switching it on. The toolbox caught fire, spreading to the cabinets above and beyond to other parts of the home.

Jennifer Slinkard embraces her husband outside their home as members of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department battle a blaze in the residence, Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. The family dog was lost in the fire, but a house cat was rescued. (Laura Simon)

"There's extensive fire damage in the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the whole structure," Dillow said.

Despite the damage, he said the house is not a total loss.

The house is owned by Michael Slinkard, who lives next door. His sons Christopher and Timothy Slinkard, along with Timothy's wife, Jennifer, live in the home.

Matt Mittrucker, right, with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, hands a deceased family dog to Randy Sander as crews battle a fire at 1113 North Fountain Street, Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. (Laura Simon)

Pertinent address:

1113 N. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.