Fire destroys vacant Cedar Rapids house

A late-night fire destroyed a vacant, flood-damaged home on Cedar Rapids' southwest side Tuesday.

Responders on scene said they were called to the house, at 421 Sixth Ave. SW, at 10:52 p.m. When they arrived, the house was "fully engulfed" in flames.

The street was blocked off and crowds of neighbors watched as firefighters contained the large fire with several fire hoses.

According to responders, the home had been vacant for a long time, and there should have been no one in the house. Also, there was no electricity hooked up to the home. As a result, they said officials will most likely investigate the fire as being possibly suspicious.

The flames were completely contained by 11:20 p.m., and firefighters began inspecting the site.