Massive Warehouse Fire Destroys Abandoned Motorcycle Repair Shop on San Antonio’s Northeast Side
San Antonio, TX – A massive fire engulfed a warehouse on the Northeast Side of San Antonio on Thursday night, completely destroying the structure. The fire, which broke out around 9 p.m., drew a large response from the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), with 39 units rushing to the scene.
Located in the 4700 block of Rittiman Road, the building was abandoned but had previously served as a motorcycle repair shop. Fortunately, no one was inside the warehouse at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
SAFD Chief Charles Hood described the fire call as challenging due to heavy winds and the presence of numerous materials still inside the building. “Lots of debris, lots of building materials back there. So, (it was) very difficult fire for us to put out,” Chief Hood said.
The blaze produced heavy flames and smoke clouds that could be seen several blocks away as fire crews worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire. As of 10:30 p.m., SAFD crews anticipated remaining on the scene for an extended period to address any remaining hotspots.
“We were able to get on both sides of it, put a bunch of water on it and knock it down,” Chief Hood added.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to determine what sparked the massive blaze.
San Antonio residents were urged to avoid the area as fire crews continue their efforts to fully extinguish the fire and ensure the safety of nearby structures.
About the Authors:
Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12, previously working for WICS/WRSP 20 in Springfield, Illinois. John Paul Barajas, a reporter at KSAT 12, previously worked at KRGV 5 in the Rio Grande Valley. He holds a degree from the University of Houston and enjoys staying active, spending time on the water, and exploring local culinary delights in his free time.
Source: KSAT
What were the challenges faced by the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) in battling the massive warehouse fire?
Massive Warehouse Fire Engulfs Abandoned Motorcycle Repair Shop on San Antonio’s Northeast Side
San Antonio, TX – A devastating inferno consumed a warehouse on San Antonio’s Northeast Side on Thursday night, completely decimating the structure. The blaze, which erupted around 9 p.m., prompted a swift and sizable response from the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), with 39 units rushing to the scene.
Situated in the 4700 block of Rittiman Road, the building had been abandoned but had formerly operated as a bustling motorcycle repair shop. Thankfully, nobody was inside the warehouse when the fire broke out, and no injuries have been reported.
SAFD Chief Charles Hood described the fire as an incredibly challenging endeavor, citing strong winds and the presence of various materials still housed within the building. “There was an abundance of debris and building materials, making it an arduous task for our firefighters,” Chief Hood commented.
The conflagration unleashed towering flames and billowing smoke clouds, visible from several blocks away, as fire crews tirelessly battled the blaze. At 10:30 p.m., SAFD crews anticipated an extended operation to address any lingering hotspots.
“We managed to flank the fire from both sides, deluge it with copious amounts of water, and successfully bring it under control,” Chief Hood added.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are diligently working to ascertain the source of the massive conflagration.
As fire crews continue their valiant efforts to fully extinguish the fire and safeguard nearby structures, residents of San Antonio are urged to avoid the vicinity.
About the Authors:
Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12, having previously worked for WICS/WRSP 20 in Springfield, Illinois. John Paul Barajas, a reporter at KSAT 12, brings experience from KRGV 5 in the Rio Grande Valley. He holds a degree from the University of Houston and relishes in staying active, spending time on the water, and exploring local culinary delights during his free time.
Source: KSAT
