Flames engulf Merriwether Street residence; occupants safely evacuated

Five Cape Girardeau fire engines responded to a multi-level residence on fire Monday at 1107 Merriwether St.

Firefighters arrived on scene around 7:30 p.m. to find the top floor of the residence engulfed with flames.

Marsha Brown, renter of the home, said she and her five children got out of the home safely and were not injured.

Brown said the fire was most likely electrical, as she's been having regular power surges at her home for more than six months.

Firefighters had the fire under control by around 8 p.m., although were still putting out hot spots on the top floor, which contained three bedrooms.

AmerenUE arrived on scene around 8:05 p.m.