SAN ANTONIO – Two adults were hospitalized with significant burns early Friday morning after a fire broke out a home just north of Downtown.
The fire started around 5:30 a.m. at a home off Viendo Street near Interstate 10.
Two adults sustained burns covering roughly 25–30% of their bodies and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Battalion Chief Mark Trevino of the San Antonio Fire Department said the fire may have started when one of the residents used the oven while lighting a cigarette, causing a flash fire. Arson investigators are currently on the scene to determine the exact cause.
The home, occupied by three people, sustained heavy fire damage to the back portion of the structure, as well as smoke and water damage throughout. Chief Trevino said approximately half of the house is uninhabitable. Fortunately, one occupant was not home at the time.
Firefighters faced several challenges while battling the fire.
A carport at the back of the home contained piles of flammable materials, including old fencing and lumber, which allowed the fire to spread. Additionally, a downed power line posed a safety risk for firefighters and nearby residents. CPS quickly arrived to cut power to prevent any other safety hazards.
“The big problems with fires like this are down power lines and safety of our personnel and citizens,” Chief Trevino said. “Once we tend to the patients and ensure everyone’s safe, we redirect tactics to get to the fire and knock it down. We always make sure occupants have somewhere to go and the home is checked for hot spots.”
Chief Trevino said they didn’t see that the home had any smoke detectors.
Crews were able to contain the fire and keep the fire from spreading to nearby homes.