Tragedy struck early Thursday when an elderly man lost his life in a house fire on the southwest side of San Antonio. According to KENS 5, firefighters responded to a call in the 200 block of Briggs Avenue, near Somerset Road around 2 a.m. to find the residence completely engulfed. The intensity of the fire prevented the crews from entering immediately as they had to combat the blaze defensively. Once they were able to tame the inferno, they discovered the elderly man's body.
The extent of the devastation was such, that the Battalion Chief reported it may take time to ascertain the cause of the fire. There was some peripheral damage, a food truck parked adjacent to the dwelling sustained fire damage, and a nearby vehicle was affected, as the only other property damaged.
Further details reported by FOX San Antonio indicate that the fire was swiftly extinguished by the fire department. The identity of the elderly victim has not yet been released, and investigators are now sifting through the charred remnants in search of clues that could shed light on the origin of this fatal blaze.
Property damage estimates hover around $60,000. While the second home on the property was spared, the loss of life made it a grave reality that not all value can be captured in dollars and cents. The community awaits further details as the investigation into this unfortunate incident continues.
