An early-morning fire believed to have started at an abandoned home spread into a neighboring house on the west side, forcing residents out.
SAN ANTONIO — An early-morning fire at an abandoned home spread to a neighboring house on the city’s west side, forcing residents out but leaving no one injured, according to the San Antonio Fire Department.
Firefighters were called around 2:33 a.m. Monday to a house fire in the 2400 block of San Louis, officials said.
A battalion chief with the San Antonio Fire Department said neighbors reported the home has been vacant for decades, but recently noticed smoke and strong smells coming from the chimney at night. Fire officials believe the blaze may have been started by people experiencing homelessness trying to keep warm.
The fire spread through the attic of the abandoned home and jumped to the attic of a neighboring house, damaging about 30% of that residence, officials said.
Everyone inside the exposed home was able to get out safely, but fire officials say the residents will likely not be able to return home tonight due to the damage.
No injuries were reported.
A request has been made to the city to have the abandoned structure removed, as it is considered a dangerous building. The San Antonio Police Department also responded to the scene.
Fire investigators continue to look into the exact cause of the blaze.