Authorities investigating suspicious fire at Cape Girardeau home

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Cape Girardeau firefighters fought a suspicious fire early Tuesday morning.

Fire crews responded to a report of house fire at Jefferson and S. Hanover.

First units arriving on scene reported a one and a half story structure with fire and smoke showing from what appeared to be a vacant house.

Crews prepared to enter the front of the house when fire conditions rapidly changed. They transitioned to a defensive mode.

Firefighters found that some of the back side of the home was under renovation.

Structural conditions were not stable including temporary shoring in the basement and holes in the first floor.

Fire units brought the fire under control within 20 minutes.

There were no utilities present.

The fire is considered suspicious and under investigation by the Cape Girardeau Police Department, Cape Girardeau Fire Department and the Missouri State Fire Marshal.

Jackson Fire, Fruitland Fire Protection District, and East County Fire Protection District along with off duty Cape Girardeau firefighters were called into assist at the fire scene and to backfill stations.