First responders actively working to control the fire at Besame Cocktail Bar.
A fire broke out early Thursday at Besame Cocktail Bar and Food Truck Park in San Antonio, leading to significant damage, with concerns raised about gas line safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. This beloved venue faced a disastrous event shortly after its opening, with city officials now evaluating the potential demolition of the historic structure. As CPS Energy investigates, community members reflect on the vibrant atmosphere that is now in jeopardy.
Early Thursday morning, the cozy atmosphere of Besame Cocktail Bar and Food Truck Park in San Antonio took a turn for the worse as an unfortunate fire erupted around 4:30 a.m. Located on East Grayson and not far from the bustling Pearl area, this beloved local spot found itself in distress as flames engulfed portions of the establishment.
The building, a charming 115-year-old structure that holds a rich history as a former home, has now been deemed significantly damaged. Firefighters were on the scene shortly after the blaze started. They quickly determined that a ruptured gas line supplying gas to the front porch was fueling the fire, making their job even more challenging. The front area and roof of the 992-square-foot bar suffered substantial damage, leading city officials to post a red warning placard, labeling the property as distressed and potentially eligible for demolition.
In a stroke of luck, no injuries were reported since the bar was closed at the time of the incident. First responders worked tirelessly to control the situation, and as they did, CPS Energy spent over 24 hours investigating and repairing the damaged natural gas supply lines.
As excitement and concern surrounding the fire continue to ripple through the community, questions about the safety of aging gas lines have also arisen. Just a month ago, CPS Energy faced a $60 million judgment related to a gas leak explosion that led to injuries in another case. An attorney raised alarm over the potential hazards linked to older gas infrastructure, pointing out that the current detection system relies heavily on customers’ ability to smell gas. This raises concerns for vulnerable groups, such as older adults or individuals with respiratory conditions, who may struggle to detect leaks effectively.
Currently, there are over 1,500 miles of pipeline in the local gas system that are over 50 years old, which highlights a significant risk factor. CPS Energy, obligated by law to monitor and report on the condition of its gas systems, asserts that it is crucial to keep customers informed about safety practices. They maintain a dedicated webpage offering tips for safely using gas services.
Besame Cocktail Bar and Food Truck Park, which opened just last December, was founded by Ricky Ortiz, who also operates another food truck park, El Camino. Just a few months after bringing a joyful experience of food and drinks to the community, this institution now feels the devastating weight of this unfortunate event. The atmosphere that once buzzed with laughter and the aroma of local cuisine has turned solemn as community members reflect on their fond memories of the establishment.
Local food truck vendors, like Tejas Birria, have taken to social media to express sadness over the fire while also conveying their gratitude that their trailer remains unharmed. The community’s response has been overwhelming—a wave of nostalgia and sorrow for the lively space that has brought together food lovers and neighbors alike.
As fire officials continue their investigation and work to determine the cause of the blaze, residents are left pondering the future of the beloved Besame Cocktail Bar and Food Truck Park. Cost estimates for the damages are yet to be released, leaving many wondering how this vibrant piece of San Antonio’s culinary scene will recover from this devastating event.
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