Overnight Cedar Rapids fire called 'suspicious' by investigators

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Firefighters are investigating a suspicious overnight fire here.

Flames consumed a home in the 1400 block of Second Street SE that had been damaged by the 2008 flood. Crews arrived at about 2:30 a.m. but believe the fire was going well before they received the emergency call.

No one was injured. Also, Cedar Rapids Fire Department officials said, no nearby structures were damaged by heat from the fire.

A person a block away at Tornado's Grub and Pub, 1400 Third St. SE, called firefighters after seeing heavy smoke pouring out of the building, fire officials said.

Authorities call it suspicious because the house, whose construction dates to 1888, has been vacant since the flood and no utilities were hooked up to the building.

Fire officials said firefighters extinguished the blaze only from the house's exterior because the house previously was damaged by the flood and was completely involved with fire.  Firefighters said the home was the 27th fllood-damaged building to go up in flames since water inundated the area.

If you have any information about the fire you are asked to call the Cedar Rapids Fire Department at (319) 286-5200.