FIREFIGHTERS DOUSE BLAZE ABOVE LOUNGE

Cape Girardeau firefighters were called to the roof of Froggies Lounge, in the 100 block of Water Street, shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday after a utility line apparently shorted out and fell on the tar roof.

The lounge adjoins Jeremiah's Restaurant at 127 N. Water.

Assistant Fire Chief Max Jauch said the fire damage was minor and was confined to a small hole in the roof of the lounge.

At one point, several minutes after firefighters arrived, heavy smoke could be seen coming from the tar that was burning on roof of the lounge, which faces Water Street. But firefighters quickly extinguished the fire with water.

According to authorities, the fire was apparently discovered by patrons in the lounge below, who noticed sparks dropping down on the bar from the burning roof. At about the same time, employees at Broussard's Restaurant, located on Main Street, and directly behind the lounge, reported an electrical short had occurred.