Wednesday morning fire at Cape Girardeau home ruled accidental

Investigators have ruled the cause of a fire that damaged a Cape Girardeau home Wednesday as accidental.

According to assistant fire chief Mark Hasheider, crews were called to 517 S. Middle St. at 3:54 a.m. Firefighters from East County, Jackson and Scott City arrived to assist with extinguishing the fire at the one-and-a-half-story home.

The fire was contained by 4:50 a.m.

Hasheider said one Cape Girardeau firefighter fell from the second floor of the home but was not

injured.

Hasheider said investigators believe the fire started on the burner of a stove inside the kitchen.

Jenny Knoderer, spokeswoman for the Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross, said the organization is providing assistance to the family including clothing and food. She said the family has lodging.

Knoderer said anyone wishing to donate should do so by making checks out to the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross, 2430 Myra Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, and designate the donation as fire or unrestricted funds.

"A common misperception is the Red Cross helps only with big disasters," Knoderer said. "But we're here to help in all kinds of situations."

Wednesday's fire is the second one in Cape Girardeau this week. Monday night someone intentionally set a home on fire at 534 S. Hanover St. The fire caused about $60,000 in damage to the single-story structure.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent address:

517 S. Middle St., Cape Girardeau, MO