SAN ANTONIO – A backyard fire that rekindled from trash burning the night before caused damage to a home and shed at a residence on Sunday morning, but no one was hurt, officials said.
Fire crews were called to a reported structure fire and found flames burning outside in the backyard, with some fire also extending into the interior on the rear side of the home.
Officials said it appeared the fire started as a rekindle after someone burned trash the night before.
“It appears the fire started as a rekindle from someone burning trash last night, and that’s something that we probably get out there for people,” an official at the scene said. “It’s against the law for one thing, and two, this is what ends up happening. Wind picks up the next day, lights those embers back up, and then you’re destroying your property and other people’s.”
Officials said the home at the back of the property sustained some damage, along with a shed. A neighboring home did not have damage, but officials said the fire burned a “tongue” and fences.
The fire was not being classified as arson. “We can send them the report and see where it goes from there, but it’s not listed as arson because there’s no moles in it yet. It’s still an accidental fire,” the official said.
No injuries were reported. “No injuries; there are a lot of pets in this house. No injuries to any pets or any people. Or any firefighters,” the official said.
Officials also noted the property conditions made access more difficult. “Well, it’s bordering kind of on what we would call a hoarder house. So if we had to go through the house to get to the back, it would have been very difficult, and it was still difficult even getting through the yard just because of the amount of stuff,” the official said. The official added that clutter can increase the danger and make firefighting more challenging.
Residents will be able to return home. This is a developing story.