A quiet stretch of Delmar Street on San Antonio's East Side turned into a crime scene on Sunday afternoon when a suspicious fire ripped through a home and left it largely destroyed. Two people who had been inside were detained at the scene while investigators moved in, officials said. No injuries were reported, but arson specialists were quickly called to sort out what happened, as reported by KSAT.
The San Antonio Fire Department said crews were dispatched to the 700 block of Delmar Street just before 1:30 p.m. Firefighters told local reporters that three people were inside when flames began racing through the house, and two of them were detained as the smoke cleared. According to KSAT, officials estimated about 85% of the structure was damaged and said the two detained individuals had been packing belongings when the fire started. Arson and fire investigators were called in to take over the probe.
Witness Accounts And Scene Details
Neighbors did not just see smoke. Witnesses told responders they saw one occupant tossing what firefighters described as "incendiary pieces" onto couches shortly before the blaze took off, and crews noted what appeared to be multiple points of origin inside the home, according to KENS5. KENS5 also reported that the homeowner was not present when firefighters arrived and that the badly burned structure appeared to be a total loss.
Investigation And Legal Outlook
Both SAFD arson investigators and fire investigators responded to the call and will lead the case while the official cause remains undetermined, officials said. Under Texas law, intentionally setting a building on fire can be prosecuted as arson, a felony whose severity hinges on factors such as whether the property is a habitation or whether anyone was hurt, per the Texas Penal Code.
What Officials Say Comes Next
SAFD officials have not released the names of the two people detained and have not said whether they will face criminal charges. The cause of the fire is still under review and the investigation is ongoing, according to KSAT. Authorities say they will share more details once they have them.
