SAN ANTONIO — A fire ripped through an east-side home Tuesday morning where San Antonio officials said the flames turned out to be deadly.
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.
In a fund raising effort to help the family, they have identified 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 and often traded 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 one man for questioning.
Family members identified the man as the victim’s son.
He has yet to be charged, but fire officials say their investigation into the cause of the fire and the woman’s death continues.
It will be up to the medical examiner to determine if Stewart died in the fire. That ruling is pending.
A GoFundMe created by the woman’s granddaughter.
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.