NEWSLINE: CAPE FURNITURE STORE CATCHES FIRE

A fire of unknown origin broke out in the rear warehouse of Dushell's Furniture Thursday night, burning several box springs and mattresses.

As of 11 p.m., authorities were still trying to determine the cause of the fire, which started next to a loading dock, Cape Girardeau Assistant Fire Chief Jim Niswonger said. The store is at 2103 William.

Two sprinkler heads extinguished the fire, said Niswonger. He said the fire was "all but out" when firefighters arrived.

"If it wasn't for the sprinklers, I feel the fire would have been venting itself through the roof by the time we got here."

Also, Niswonger said he believes the fire would have spread to the store's showroom. The doors between the showroom and the warehouse had been left open, he said.

The fire completely destroyed a box spring and mattress. A combination of nine other box springs and mattresses were burned partially, said Niswonger.

A passerby discovered the store full of smoke and told a nearby gas station attendant, who reported the situation. The call came in at 9:42 p.m., authorities said.