AUSTIN, Texas — A fire that broke out Sunday evening in downtown Austin that burned a vacant hotel and restaurant is now under control, officials say.
Austin Fire Department (AFD) responded to the reported fire in the 2900 block of North I-35 Service Road. It took about 40 minutes to get the blaze under control, according to AFD. Officials said the Rodeway Inn was “fully involved with the fire” upon arrival. They directed people to avoid the area.
Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant, which closed over the summer, was also involved in the fire.
No civilians were reported injured. AFD officials initially said no firefighters were injured, but later said one firefighter had a heat-related injury.
Austin Energy shut off electricity in the area due to flame heights.
Officials didn’t say how the fire started.