No one injured in house fire

No one was injured in a house fire at 803 Themis St. reported at 8:55 p.m. Wednesday.

Although there was heavy smoke in the attic, the three occupants of the large house were able to exit the residence before firefighters arrived.

Battalion chief Mark Starnes said the fire started in the attic, and it did not seem suspicious.

"We had moderate to heavy smoke coming from the gables and from the roof edge all the way around," Starnes said.

Starnes said firefighters contained the fire to the second floor, although he said the main level may have water damage.

Firefighters conducted overhaul work on the interior and roof of the house until about 10 p.m., looking for hot spots by tearing away pieces of ceiling and checking void areas that would allow the fire to spread.

"We don't want to have to come back," Starnes said.

Cape Girardeau police blocked three street entrances around the fire.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address: 803 Themis St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.