San Antonio, August 19, 2025
News Summary
A two-alarm industrial fire erupted at the Meyer MT Texas manufacturing plant near San Antonio International Airport, leading to the evacuation of nearly 100 employees. The incident involved the release of hazardous chemicals, including hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Firefighters responded quickly, and no injuries were reported. Emergency teams are currently managing containment and cleanup while investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.
San Antonio — A two-alarm industrial fire broke out Monday morning at the Meyer MT Texas high-tech manufacturing plant near San Antonio International Airport, causing the release of hazardous chemicals, triggering a large emergency response, and prompting on-site containment and cleanup operations.
What happened
The blaze began at about 11:30 a.m.Highpoint Street, near the intersection of Ridgeside and Crosspoint. Responding crews reported hearing a boom before firefighters arrived. The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) escalated the response to a second alarm after identifying hazardous materials at the scene. Hazmat teams were dispatched to assist with containment and monitoring.
Immediate impacts
During firefighting operations, tanks at the facility leaked approximately 500 gallons of hydrochloric acid and approximately 500 gallons of sodium hydroxide. Water used to extinguish the fire heavily diluted the chemicals. Officials confirmed that drainage from the site was under control and stated there was no danger to the public. The fire was contained to the business, and some emergency units were canceled after the situation stabilized.
Human safety and response
Nearly 100 employees at the factory were safely evacuated without injury. Firefighters continued to monitor the scene until specialized cleanup crews arrived. A remediation crew from MT Texas was en route to handle cleanup operations after containment efforts by the fire department concluded.
Hazard and containment
Hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns on contact; inhalation or ingestion can also be harmful. Sodium hydroxide is similarly hazardous. Because of the corrosive chemicals and the variables they introduced to firefighting operations, SAFD treated the incident as a hazardous materials response in addition to a structural fire. Hazmat teams worked to contain runoff, monitor air and soil where necessary, and coordinate with remediation crews for safe cleanup.
Investigation and ongoing actions
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials are assessing the building’s condition and reviewing incident actions to determine origin and contributing factors. Containment was effective enough for emergency command to stand down some units, but monitoring continued until specialized cleanup teams took over. Authorities said cleanup and remediation would follow established hazardous materials protocols.
Operational details
- Type of incident: Two-alarm industrial fire with hazardous materials
- Location: Meyer MT Texas plant, near San Antonio International Airport, off Highpoint Street
- Time: Began approximately 11:30 a.m. on Monday
- Chemicals released: ~500 gallons hydrochloric acid and ~500 gallons sodium hydroxide
- Human impact: ~100 employees evacuated, no injuries reported
- Response: SAFD second alarm, hazmat teams, firefighting containment, remediation crew en route
Context
Industrial sites that handle corrosive chemicals routinely require coordinated plans for fire and hazmat response. Quick evacuation and isolation of runoff and drainage pathways are standard priorities to protect public health and limit environmental impacts. The combination of corrosive liquids and firefighting water requires careful monitoring and specialized cleanup to neutralize and remove contaminants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the fire?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and officials are assessing the building and circumstances to determine origin and contributing factors.
Were there any injuries?
All workers were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
What chemicals were released and in what quantity?
Approximately 500 gallons each of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide leaked from tanks during the incident.
Is the public at risk?
Officials indicated that drainage was under control and that there is no danger to the public; monitoring and containment efforts were in place.
Who is handling cleanup?
A remediation crew from MT Texas was en route to take over cleanup operations after the fire department completed containment and monitoring.
Key incident features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Meyer MT Texas plant, off Highpoint Street, near Ridgeside & Crosspoint |
| Time | Approximately 11:30 a.m. on Monday |
| Response level | Two-alarm; hazmat teams dispatched |
| Chemicals released | About 500 gallons hydrochloric acid and 500 gallons sodium hydroxide |
| People affected | Nearly 100 employees evacuated; no reported injuries |
| Current status | Fire contained to the business; remediation crew en route; investigation ongoing |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, ~11:30 a.m. | Fire reported at Meyer MT Texas facility; boom heard prior to arrival | Initial SAFD response |
| Shortly after arrival | Second alarm issued due to hazardous materials | SAFD, hazmat teams dispatched |
| During firefighting | ~500 gallons hydrochloric acid and ~500 gallons sodium hydroxide leaked and were diluted by firefighting water | Containment and monitoring by hazmat |
| Following containment | Nearly 100 employees evacuated safely; no injuries reported | SAFD statements |
| After stabilization | Some emergency units canceled; remediation crew en route | Operational handover to cleanup teams |
Quick visual statistics
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Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Chemical Fire
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: Industrial Fire San Antonio
- KENS 5
- Google Scholar: Fire Safety Industrial Sites
- News 4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Fighter
- KSAT News
- Google News: San Antonio Fire Department
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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.
