Fire damages Cape Girardeau residence

Cape Girardeau firefighters responded to 2719 Stephen Drive Thursday afternoon after a neighbor reported heavy black smoke.

Crews responded to the scene just after 5 p.m., focusing their attention on the rear of the home. Fire chief Rick Ennis said the bulk of the fire damage was in the basement.

Roger Richards, who rents the two-bedroom home, said the finished basement was where his office was.

"It's one of those things where you hope you didn't leave something on," he said.

The department later determined the cause was an electrical malfunction. Damage was estimated at $55,000.