Massive Warehouse Fire Destroys Abandoned Motorcycle Repair Shop on San Antonio’s Northeast Side
San Antonio, TX – A second-alarm fire engulfed an abandoned warehouse on the Northeast Side, leaving behind billows of smoke and debris. The fire, which completely leveled the structure, broke out around 9 p.m. on Thursday in the 4700 block of Rittiman Road. The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) responded to the scene with 39 units.
According to fire officials, the building was abandoned but used to house a motorcycle repair shop. Fortunately, no one was inside 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 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 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 still under investigation.
Local residents expressed concern about the fire’s impact on the community. “It’s sad to see such a massive fire destroy a building in our neighborhood. We hope the investigation reveals the cause and that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future,” said a nearby resident.
San Antonio fire crews continue to battle the large fire on the city’s Northeast Side, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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About the Authors:
Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12. She previously worked for WICS/WRSP 20 in Springfield, Illinois.
John Paul Barajas is a reporter at KSAT 12. Previously, he worked at KRGV 5 in the Rio Grande Valley. He has a degree from the University of Houston. In his free time, he likes to get a workout in, spend time on the water, and check out good eats and drinks.
What steps can the local community take to prevent incidents like the Nio Fire Department’s response to the abandoned motorcycle repair shop in the future?
Nio Fire Department responded to the scene and immediately upgraded the alarm to a second-alarm due to the magnitude of the fire.
The warehouse was identified as an abandoned motorcycle repair shop, which had been vacant for an extended period of time. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities suspect it may have been started by squatters or trespassers.
Firefighters battled intense flames and heavy smoke as they worked to contain the fire. Due to the size of the structure, it took several hours for the fire to be fully extinguished. The blaze caused significant damage to nearby structures, including a neighboring business.
Residents in the area were advised to stay indoors and close their windows to avoid the thick smoke that blanketed the vicinity. Emergency crews worked diligently to ensure the safety of nearby residents and to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries during the incident. However, the destruction of the abandoned warehouse has left a significant impact on the local community. Efforts will now be focused on investigating the cause of the fire and determining the necessary steps for cleanup and rebuilding.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for maintaining vacant properties in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities urge property owners to secure vacant buildings and report any suspicious activities to prevent potential hazards and protect the community.
This devastating warehouse fire highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive safety measures and increased efforts to secure abandoned buildings in San Antonio.
This devastating fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by abandoned buildings. It’s crucial that we prioritize safety measures and find ways to prevent such incidents in the future.