News Summary
A significant fire erupted early Monday morning in San Antonio, destroying two homes and damaging a third. Originating from a vacant house under renovation, the blaze prompted a swift response from the San Antonio Fire Department. Though firefighters worked hard to contain it, the original structure collapsed, causing collateral damage. Local officials are now focusing on safety concerns related to vacant properties in the area, especially given repeated incidents linked to these homes.
San Antonio experienced a significant fire early Monday morning that resulted in the destruction of two homes and damage to a third. The fire, which ignited around 5 a.m. on El Paso Street, originated from a vacant home undergoing renovations, a property that did not have any utility service at the time of the incident.
The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) received multiple emergency calls regarding the blaze and promptly responded. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the fire rapidly spreading. Despite efforts to contain the fire, the original structure collapsed as the flames moved to the adjacent house. Fortunately, the occupants of the neighboring home managed to escape without injury.
In addition to the destruction of the two homes, the fire also caused damage to a car parked in the driveway of one of the affected residences due to the collapsing structure. Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire, noting that the extensive damage may hinder their ability to determine a definitive cause.
Many residents in the area voiced concerns about the vacant property, which they say is often frequented by homeless individuals. Battalion Chief Edward Rohmer indicated that the neighborhood has seen repeated incidents of fires stemming from these unoccupied homes, raising safety concerns among the community members. These events have prompted local officials to address the issue of absentee property owners and the management of vacant properties.
One family member of the homeowners affected in the fire reported that the individual had lived in the home for 27 years and, unfortunately, did not have insurance coverage to assist with the loss. To support the people displaced from the fire, a GoFundMe account has been established, while the American Red Cross is providing aid to those impacted.
San Antonio District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo acknowledged the fire and reiterated the importance of ensuring that vacant properties do not pose hazards to communities. The city is exploring policy solutions aimed at better managing these properties to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This incident not only highlights the immediate dangers posed by the fire but also emphasizes ongoing concerns regarding the presence and management of vacant homes across the city. Residents, city officials, and fire authorities are now working collaboratively to address the safety risks associated with unoccupied properties in San Antonio.
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Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Fox San Antonio
- Google Search: San Antonio Fire Department
- KSAT
- Google Scholar: Vacant Property Management
- KENS 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- KTSA
- Google News: San Antonio Fire
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.
