San Antonio Balcony Fire Damages 8 Apartments on Vance Jackson Road

A fire that started on a balcony tore through part of a three-story apartment building on San Antonio's Northwest Side in the early hours of Tuesday, damaging eight apartments and forcing dozens of people out of their homes.

What happened

San Antonio Fire Department crews were sent to the 11500 block of Vance Jackson Road, near Huebner Road, at about 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, according to KSAT. Fox San Antonio identified the property as Sutton House Apartments and placed it off Vance Jackson Road near Wall Street; KSAT's report did not name the complex.

Firefighters found flames on the balcony of a second-floor unit. The fire spread into the building and reached the vaulted ceilings of upper-floor apartments, which Fox San Antonio said made it slow to fully contain. KSAT quoted Assistant Chief Stephen Rustin calling the firefight "very challenging" because of concealed spaces in the structure. Crews upgraded the response to a second alarm, and Fox San Antonio reported that at least 35 emergency units responded.

Who was affected

Fire department spokesperson Woody Woodward confirmed to KSAT that eight units were affected. Neither station published a total headcount for displaced residents; Fox San Antonio said dozens of people were forced out. Everyone was evacuated safely.

The reports differ on injuries. KSAT said one resident was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and that a firefighter was hospitalized after debris struck his helmet. Fox San Antonio said officials reported only minor injuries, with a single hospital transport for something unrelated to the fire itself. It is possible the two descriptions overlap, but they are not identical, and officials had not released further detail.

Aid for residents

Both stations said the American Red Cross responded, and KSAT said property management representatives were also on scene. Fox San Antonio reported that fire officials coordinated with on-site apartment management to relocate displaced residents. Neither report said how long residents would be out of their apartments or how many had found alternative housing.

Cause

Investigators are still working to determine what ignited the fire. KSAT reported that they found no evidence it was intentionally set. Because balcony fires can start from several sources, including discarded smoking materials, grills and electrical items, it would be premature to assign a cause until the department says so.

What this means for renters

Balcony and patio fires are a recurring pattern in multifamily buildings, and they can travel quickly into attics, eaves and vaulted ceilings. A few steps lower the risk and prepare you if it happens:

• Check your lease and local rules. Many apartment communities and fire codes restrict charcoal and gas grills, open flames and heaters on balconies. Follow them, and keep balconies free of stored clutter and anything flammable.
• Dispose of smoking materials safely. Use a deep, sturdy ashtray with water or sand, never a planter or a plastic container.
• Have a way out. Know two exits from your unit, and do not rely on a balcony as your only escape route in a multi-story building. Our guide to smoke alarms and escape plans covers the basics.
• Photograph your belongings now. A dated inventory of your furniture, electronics and clothing makes a renters insurance claim much faster. If you have coverage, loss-of-use benefits can help pay for a hotel or short-term rental after a fire; see renters insurance after a fire.

If your apartment was damaged or you cannot return, the first-72-hours checklist walks through contacting your landlord, the Red Cross and your insurer, and what to ask about your lease and rent while your unit is unlivable.

Updates on the cause and on residents' return are expected from the San Antonio Fire Department. This article will be followed up if officials release new details.