HOUSE FIRE IS BEING INVESTIGATED

Cape Girardeau fire investigators are looking into the cause of a fire that apparently started on or beneath an outdoor table behind a residence at 1520 N. Clark early Thursday.

Fire Capt. Don Smith said the fire went up the wall of the home into the overhang and burned its way into the attic by the time firefighters were able to knock it down.

The attic area of the home sustained heavy damage, but the rest of the structure was only infiltrated by smoke, Smith said.

"It went out pretty quick, but we still don't know how it started," he said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A woman sleeping inside the house got out before firefighters arrived. Her dog escaped when firefighters entered the home. No one was injured.