The fire that destroyed a Hannibal residence early Thursday morning appears to have been intentionally set.

Investigators have ruled that the cause of the fire at 2303 Hope St. was incendiary in nature.

Firefighters responded to the home at 5:34 a.m. Thursday, finding heavy fire and smoke coming from the structure.

The blaze was brought under control in about 45 minutes, although fire crews remained on the scene until about noon.

The house was vacant and there was no gas or electricity going to the house at the time of the fire.

If you have any information on this fire, you’re asked to call the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-39ARSON or Hannibal Police at 221-0987.

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