Earlier today, Arson investigators have entered the scene at a Northwest Side blaze that engulfed a vacant hotel. Flames were first seen just before 4 a.m at the old Embassy Suites located in the 7700 block of Briaridge Drive, near Interstate 10 and Callaghan Road. Officials noted that while the fire did not climb beyond the first floor, it caused smoke damage throughout the higher levels, according to reports from KSAT.
Upon their arrival, San Antonio Fire Department crews were met with two individuals emerging from the building unharmed. Deputy Chief Bryan Norris shared with KSAT that, "It looks like they were just trying to have a place to sleep since it is a chilly night tonight." The fire demanded an increased response due to the nature of the high-rise structure, with over 40 units from the SAFD responding to the call. Meanwhile, the hotel's lack of electricity has fueled suspicions, though no arrests have been made at this time.
Simultaneously, a separate report by Fox San Antonio indicated that the San Antonio Police are on the lookout for a possible homeless suspect linked to the incident. The community reels from the unexpected event and the authorities conduct their inquiries, the questions linger on the cause and, the implications of such despair.
