Firefighters say a gas line and metal roof intensified the fire, while collapsing floors forced crews to shift from interior to exterior operations.
SAN ANTONIO — Firefighters are battling a large and dangerous fire at a building east of downtown, where unstable conditions forced crews to shift to exterior operations.
The San Antonio Fire Department was called to a structure fire at approximately 4:30 a.m. Tuesday at a building located in the 1100 block of Denver Boulevard. When crews arrived, they found heavy fire conditions already intensified by a gas line feeding the flames.
Fire officials say the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
According to SAFD, a metal roof on the building significantly complicated firefighting efforts. The roof trapped heat and smoke inside the structure, preventing proper ventilation and allowing the fire to grow internally, particularly in the attic space.
Inside the building, firefighters encountered severe structural hazards. The flooring began to burn through and collapse, causing firefighters to fall through in some areas. Due to the unstable conditions and risk of injury — including potential leg and foot injuries — commanders made the decision to pull crews out of the structure to reduce weight and limit exposure.
Firefighters transitioned to exterior operations, focusing on cutting away parts of the structure to access the fire while minimizing the number of personnel inside. Crews have been rotating frequently due to the dangerous conditions.
CPS Energy responded to assist firefighters by shutting off electricity and gas lines and working to cut down external structures and lines near the fire scene. Officials say the utility’s involvement was critical in reducing the risk of additional flare-ups.
Officials say the fire is considered under control but not fully extinguished yet. Firefighters continue a slow, methodical operation to locate and put out hidden hot spots, which remain difficult to access due to the metal roof and structural instability.
No injuries have been reported. Fire officials confirm that all firefighters and civilians have been accounted for and safely evacuated.
Fire investigators are on scene and will begin determining the cause and point of origin once conditions are deemed safe.
This is a developing story.