Burglar Bars Impede Firefighters Battling Flames at Abandoned East Side Home
SAN ANTONIO, TX
The early hours of Tuesday morning were disrupted when flames broke out at an abandoned home on the east side of San Antonio. The firefighters’ mission to control the fire was complicated by the presence of burglar bars on the windows of the residential property situated in the 1200 block of East Crockett Street.
Firefighting Hinderance
The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) stated the burglar bars made entry into the house a challenge. The fire, first reported just after 5 am, originated in one of the bedrooms. However, the actual cause of the fire remains unidentified. Firefighters could eventually access the blazing home from the back for firefighting activities.
The home, confirmed as abandoned by the SAFD, had no occupants at the time of the rescue operation, and no injuries were documented during the event.
Investigation Underway
Currently, a fire investigation team is working on determining the fire’s exact origins. Preliminary estimates suggest the damages incurred to the home are approximately $60,000. The SAFD has declared there is no evidence of forcible or unauthorized entry leading to the start of the fire. Therefore, there is no perceived threat to the neighboring residents.
The difficulty in tackling this fire underlines the potential threats posed by burglary bars during emergency situations. Installed to enhance home security, the bars on windows and doors can be a significant obstacle during life-threatening events, impeding rescue efforts.
Response and Resources
During the operation, as many as 13 units from SAFD responded to the fire, showcasing the department’s commitment to community safety. These types of operations involve different teams and resources, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts in successfully managing emergency situations.
Public safety organizations advise homeowners to consider options that ensure both home security and ease of access for emergency situations. Systems that allow quick release from inside the house are recommended, ensuring swift entry for firefighting crews while maintaining the home’s security from potential intruders.
Despite the challenges faced in this operation, no injuries were reported among the firefighters, and the fire was successfully contained without escalating to neighboring properties.