A man was detained at the scene of a house fire where an older woman was found dead. Relatives say he was her son.

SAN ANTONIO — A fire ripped through an east-side home Tuesday morning where San Antonio officials said the flames turned out to be deadly. 

Firefighters were dispatched to the 1200 block of Rigsby Avenue for reports of a fire just after 5 a.m. Upon arrival, first responders found a woman in her 70s dead inside the home.

A fundraising effort to help the family identifies the woman as Maria Yolanda Stewart. At least one neighbor said because of her generous nature and constant hospitality, they nicknamed her “Martha Stewart.”

Irene, who lives nearby, called Stewart a friendly, happy-go-lucky fixture to neighbors of all ages.

In an old-school neighborhood where families have been friends for generations, Irene said Stewart was always willing to help others, often trading chores with people who live nearby.

Irene said when her granddaughter was young, Stewart was a constant source of joy.

“She treated her really well. Gave her snacks and drinks when she was younger. We were just reminiscing about that.”

Like many, Irene used words like “shocked” and “stunned” when they learned that police had detained 47-year-old Todd Benjamin Stewart at the scene. 

Family members identified Stewart as the victim’s son. He’s now been charged with arson causing bodily injury/death as fire officials continue to investigate what caused the blaze.

It will be up to the medical examiner to determine if Maria Stewart died in the fire. That ruling is pending.

The San Antonio Fire Department is now looking into the cause. Officials at the scene said a resident may have been hoarding at the home.