Cape Girardeau firefighters battle suspicious blaze in vacant residence

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Crews with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire near the intersection of North Main, Big Bend, and Olive streets, arriving on scene within four minutes.

Firefighters found a large story-and-a-half residence with a basement showing heavy smoke and fire throughout. The residence appeared to be vacant.

The bulk of the fire was located in the basement and had extended into the first and second floors. Crews launched an aggressive interior attack in the basement. As additional apparatus arrived, firefighters attempted entry into the first floor, where a partial floor collapse occurred. One firefighter partially fell through but was able to escape without serious injury.

The fire had also destroyed the interior stairs to the second floor, forcing firefighters to use exterior ladders and access the roof to fully extinguish the blaze. The fire was declared under control at 11:40 a.m., with crews remaining on scene for extensive overhaul operations.

Due to the size of the residence and conditions upon arrival, mutual aid was requested. Jackson Fire Department and Gordonville Fire Protection District assisted immediately, with Scott City Fire Department and East County Fire Protection District joining later during overhaul. Off-duty CGFD personnel and Fruitland FPD backfilled Cape Girardeau stations and responded to additional emergency calls during the incident.

Two firefighters were treated by EMS at the scene. One was transported to an area hospital and admitted for further treatment.

The fire is considered suspicious and remains under investigation by the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office.