A fast-moving fire ripped through a narrow space between two West Side houses Sunday evening, killing at least one dog and sending residents scrambling outside. Fire crews pulled three other dogs from the smoke, and officials said no people were injured. Firefighters were called shortly after 6 p.m. to the 2600 block of San Luis Street, near South Zanzamora and Guadalupe, where they arrived to find heavy flames burning under a carport wedged between the two homes. Crews stretched hoselines to both structures and had the fire under control in about 20 minutes, although wind made the work tougher and nearby streets were shut down while crews checked for flying embers, according to KSAT.
Pets, residents and damage
Together, the two homes housed at least 10 people, with eight residents in one and at least two in the other, and all of them were able to get out on their own, according to News 4 San Antonio. The fire killed at least one dog, while firefighters rescued three others, one of which needed treatment for injuries.
The home where the blaze started is considered a total loss, News 4 San Antonio reports. The neighboring house took heavy damage to the exterior and attic, and also suffered significant smoke and water damage inside. Fire investigators told the station that preliminary findings point to an accidental electrical ignition tied to power tools left in the carport, and Capt. Chris Lange said the wind played a role in the fire’s spread, which made it harder to knock down.
Scene status and response
The San Antonio Fire Department said crews stayed on site to make sure every ember was out and warned that the street would remain blocked while operations continued, according to KSAT. Firefighters remained at the scene into the evening to assist residents and help assess damage to both properties.
A fundraiser has been set up for the families affected by the blaze, and investigators remained on scene as they continued to examine what happened, according to News 4 San Antonio. City officials have not yet said whether any residents will be displaced long term while damage assessments continue.
