San Antonio, August 19, 2025
News Summary
An industrial fire occurred at MT Texas, a manufacturer of airplane parts, prompting a large emergency response. The fire, which ignited around 11:30 a.m., involved significant amounts of hazardous chemicals, including sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. Fortunately, all employees were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters effectively contained the blaze, and a specialized cleanup team is set to manage the aftermath. An investigation into the fire’s cause is currently underway.
San Antonio
An industrial fire broke out Monday morning at MT Texas, a manufacturer and refurbisher of airplane parts located about five miles east of San Antonio International Airport. The fire began at approximately 11:30 a.m. and prompted a large emergency response. Firefighters contained the blaze after crews and hazardous materials teams addressed on-site chemical risks; all employees were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
What happened (top-line)
Emergency crews responded to the MT Texas facility shortly after 11:45 a.m., with as many as 45 emergency units dispatched. The response included engine companies, hazmat teams, and support units because tanks at the site contained significant amounts of hazardous chemicals. Authorities confirmed about 500 gallons of sodium hydroxide and 500 gallons of hydrochloric acid were involved, for a total of roughly 1,000 gallons of hazardous material. Although some tanks containing hydrochloric acid were on fire and leaks occurred, the situation was managed without any threat to the public and without reported injuries.
Immediate response and actions taken
Fire crews and hazmat specialists arrived quickly and implemented containment and mitigation measures. A second alarm was initially sounded because of the chemical hazards, and hazmat teams were immediately dispatched. Some units were later cancelled after crews established control and reduced the immediate risk. Firefighters focused on cooling the exterior of acid tanks with water to prevent escalation and worked to dilute leaked chemicals. Drainage of the hazardous materials was reported to be under control, and crews used water to dilute and contain contaminants while monitoring air and runoff where appropriate.
Current status and next steps
The fire has been contained, and on-site crews and hazmat teams continue to monitor conditions. A specialized cleanup team from MT Texas is expected to arrive to manage long-term decontamination and removal of damaged tanks and spilled chemicals. Fire officials and regulatory agencies will continue to monitor the site until cleanup is complete. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Risks and safety
Hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive and poses serious health risks if it comes in contact with skin or is inhaled. Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is also corrosive and can cause chemical burns and respiratory irritation. Because of these hazards, response prioritized evacuation, containment of leaks, cooling of heated tanks, and dilution of spilled material with water where safe and effective. Authorities stated the incident did not pose a threat to the public after containment measures were put in place.
People and property
All employees at the MT Texas site were safely evacuated; no injuries have been reported among employees, emergency responders, or members of the public. Property damage is limited to the affected tanks and nearby equipment; further assessment will be part of the ongoing investigation and cleanup process.
Context and safety implications
The incident underscores the risks associated with handling concentrated industrial chemicals and highlights the role of hazmat planning, emergency coordination, and rapid response in preventing broader community impacts. Facilities that store or use corrosive chemicals typically maintain response plans and coordinate with local emergency services to limit risk during accidents.
What remains under investigation
Investigators will seek to determine the fire’s origin, any mechanical or procedural failures that contributed, and whether storage, labeling, or handling practices met regulatory requirements. Findings will guide cleanup priorities and any recommendations or enforcement actions that may follow.
| Key feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | MT Texas facility, ~5 miles east of San Antonio International Airport |
| Start time | About 11:30 a.m. (Monday) |
| Response time | Firefighters arrived shortly after 11:45 a.m. |
| Emergency units | As many as 45 units |
| Hazardous chemicals | Approximately 500 gallons sodium hydroxide, 500 gallons hydrochloric acid |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Evacuation | All on-site employees evacuated safely |
| Current status | Fire contained; monitoring and cleanup pending |
| Cause | Under investigation |
Timeline of events
| Date / Time (approx.) | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, ~11:30 a.m. | Fire ignited at MT Texas facility | Initial incident |
| Monday, shortly after 11:45 a.m. | Firefighters and hazmat teams responded | Emergency response underway |
| Monday, early response period | Second alarm called due to hazardous materials | Additional units dispatched |
| Monday, later in response | Fire contained; some units cancelled as control established | Containment achieved |
| Ongoing | Monitoring and dilution of chemicals; cleanup team expected | Active monitoring and cleanup planning |
Simple visual statistics
Emergency response and hazards summarized visually.
FAQ
What happened at the MT Texas facility?
An industrial fire began at about 11:30 a.m. Monday at the MT Texas facility near San Antonio International Airport. The fire involved tanks containing hazardous chemicals and prompted a multi-unit emergency response. The fire was contained and employees were evacuated safely.
Were there any injuries or threats to the public?
No injuries have been reported and authorities confirmed there was no threat to the public after containment measures were put in place.
What chemicals were involved and how much?
Approximately 500 gallons of sodium hydroxide and 500 gallons of hydrochloric acid were involved, for a total of about 1,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals.
What actions did responders take?
Firefighters and hazmat teams cooled acid tanks with water, diluted leaked chemicals, contained drainage, evacuated employees, and monitored the area. A specialized cleanup team was arranged to handle long-term cleanup and decontamination.
Is the cause known?
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities and investigators will determine origin and contributing factors as part of the ongoing inquiry.
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Additional Resources
- News4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT
- Google Search: San Antonio fire
- Hindustan Times
- Google Scholar: San Antonio fire
- News4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio fire
- Fox San Antonio
- Google News: San Antonio fire
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The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
