Cause of suspicious Cedar Rapids apartment fire under investigation

CEDAR RAPIDS - Firefighters are investigating the cause of a Thursday night fire at a Cedar Rapids residence.

Because the residence - a 2.5 story home split into two apartments - was seemingly unoccupied at the time of the fire, it's being treated as suspicious.

According to a Cedar Rapids Fire Department news release, crews were called to 226 15th St. NE at 9:52 p.m. Thursday for a report of fire showing from the residence. Responding units saw fire in the second story windows on the front and side of the home.

Firefighters entered the residence, made their way to the second floor and knocked down the fire. The fire was under control by 10:10 p.m., according to the fire department.

The second floor sustained 'heavy” fire damage and the cause is still under investigation.

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