Vacant Cedar Rapids home damaged in early-morning fire

Firefighters are investigating a mid-morning blaze at a vacant home.

Cedar Rapids Fire Department spokesman Greg Buelow said firefighters responded to 932 Maplewood Drive NE at 9:47 a.m. Tuesday after neighbors reported smoke coming from the vacant home. The fire engine company on the scene witnessed smoking coming from the eaves of the single story residence.

Firefighters making entry into the residence encountered heavy smoke and traced the fire back to the kitchen, where a majority of the fire was located. Though fire damage was contained to the kitchen, the remainder of the home sustained heat and smoke damage.

Buelow said the property is owned by Ray and Teresa Van Deusen of Cedar Rapids, but they do not reside there. Buelow said he has not spoken with the Van Deusens yet and does not know if the property was a rental.

At this point, authorities can't say if there is anything suspicious about the fire.

"It's under investigation," Buelow said.

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