Just after 10 p.m. Wednesday night, a heavy fire was reported at an old wood frame barn at the intersection of 18th St. and Ave. O.
HONDO, Texas — Authorities are currently investigating a large warehouse fire in Hondo as arson. Hondo Police also released dash camera video of people running near the scene who they believe may be behind the fire.
Medina County ESD1 Assistant Fire Chief Sarah Windsor responded to the scene Wednesday night.
“You could see the glow and the smoke from Highway 90 outside of Hondo,” she said.
The fire did spread quickly and brought out several departments from around the area. Hondo Police Chief Justin Soza said 911 calls started pouring in. He said one caller said they saw people running from the abandoned building.
“At every point, all four corners and the roof were involved in fire at the same time,” he said. “There was a loud explosion heard just prior to the three individuals seen running from the location.”
He said investigators worked through the night and got a hold of dash camera video from someone driving by. In the video, people are running in the distance.
“We believe that they threw a firework into the building,” the chief said.
Chief Soza said investigators believe it was teenagers that threw a firework causing the massive fire.
“The materials that are in this kind of structure tend to hold heat a lot more,” Windsor said.
Windsor said crews used a defensive attack trying to keep the fire from spreading to homes, across the street. It took nearly two hours to put out.
“My message is think before you act,” she said.
The police chief said investigators have received several tips after the video was released.
“Something that they thought was going to be cute and funny turned into a massive fire,” he said.
He said investigators have started to identify the three young people and added they could face an arson charge or criminal mischief.