ST. LOUIS – An overnight fire in north St. Louis reignited just hours after being extinguished, leaving one home severely damaged and residents concerned.

The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on Vernon Avenue in the Academy neighborhood. Firefighters responded to a call at the same house just five hours earlier.

The St. Louis Fire Department says the home was occupied at the time but thankfully no injuries were reported.

“Investigators came out and determined it was a heating source. I’m not sure, a space heater something of that nature om a rear enclosed porch which from the investigation from this point looking like that’s where the fire started,” Cpt. Garon Mosby with the fire department said.

The second time, flames reignited and spread to the upper third story, severely damaging the home and a neighboring house.

“It got into the exposure. The building right next to or adjacent to the primary building. So for a moment we had two buildings involved,” Mosby said. “It is likely what we would’ve called a rekindle.” 

Firefighters say when walls are knocked down, one small piece of ember can reignite the fire.

Residents spoke off-camera about their frustrations. One said at least 20 people ran out of the house during the first fire, with some even attempting to re-enter the home while actively burning. Others say they’ve witnessed troubling behavior by the occupants including burning trash in the street, allegedly setting a care on fire, and more.

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the second fire. The home is now condemned but neighbors remain demanding answers to the strange behavior they report.