Friday fire causes heavy damage to Cape Girardeau home

A blaze of undetermined origin caused extensive fire and smoke damage to a Cape Girardeau residence early Friday morning.

According to a report prepared by battalion chief Brad Dillow of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, firefighters responded to a structure fire at 646 S. Henderson Ave. at about 12:15 a.m.

The first firefighters on scene found flames showing from a second-floor window that quickly spread to the first floor. Firefighters battled the fire on the first floor from the outside before entering the home, where they discovered the stairs to the second floor were heavily damaged, according to Dillow's account. A ground ladder was placed over the stairs which allowed firefighters to reach the second floor and bring the fire under control.

All occupants were out of the home before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported, and damage to the home has been estimated at $50,000. Mutual aid in fighting the fire was provided by the Jackson and Scott City fire departments.

Cape Girardeau Fire Department battalion chief Mark Starnes said Scott City firefighters who helped battle the blaze in Cape Girardeau were notified of a fire at 115 Mulberry St. in Scott City at about 1 a.m. The Cape Girardeau and Jackson fire departments provided mutual aid in fighting the Scott City fire. No injuries were reported.

Pertinent addresses:

646 S. Henderson Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO

115 Mulberry St., Scott City, MO