An early morning fire caused extensive damage to an empty Cape Girardeau home Wednesday.

Firefighters were called to a fire at a one-and-a-half-story house at 824 S. Benton St. about 2:50 a.m. When firefighters arrived, the house had fire showing from the rear, from the first floor to the roof, according to a Cape Girardeau Fire Department news

release.

Mutual aid was called in from Scott City and Jackson, and the fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes.

No one was living in the home, and no one was injured in the fire. An outbuilding behind the home also received some damage from the fire.

The cause of the fire was initially undetermined, and originated in the rear porch area of the home.

The fire department estimated $40,000 in damage from smoke and fire.

Pertinent address:

824 S. Benton St., Cape Girardeau, MO