An unattended candle in the back of a trailer sparked a late-night blaze that destroyed two homes on San Antonio’s Southwest Side just after 10 p.m. Thursday. The fire tore through a mobile home and a motor home off Godek Drive near Old Pearsall Road. Crews put out the flames, and officials reported no injuries.
Investigators: Candle left burning sparked the fire
Investigators told Fox San Antonio that a resident left a candle burning in the back of the trailer before visiting a neighbor and returned to find the home already ablaze. Fire crews arrived to find both the mobile home and motor home fully engulfed; both are considered total losses, the outlet reported.
Why open flames turn deadly fast
The U.S. Fire Administration cautions that open flames can easily ignite nearby combustibles, and unattended candles are a common cause of home fires. The agency recommends keeping lit candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn and opting for battery-operated flameless candles when possible, per the U.S. Fire Administration.
What’s next for the block
Both structures on Godek Drive near Old Pearsall Road are under investigation and remain total losses, and no injuries were reported, according to Fox San Antonio. Photos from the scene show heavy smoke and firefighters working into the night as salvage crews began clearing debris. Neighbors looking to help displaced residents should seek verified local relief efforts or check with city resources to coordinate donations.
