SAN ANTONIO — A deadly fire on the southwest side of town claimed the life of an 82-year-old overnight.
San Antonio firefighters responded to the 200 block of Ross Avenue just before 2 a.m. Wednesday for reports of a fire. We are told that up to 15 crews were dispatched to battle the blaze that was fully involved when first responders arrived at the home.
Neighbors told firefighters that an elderly woman was inside the house. Fire crews made an aggressive search and found her deceased inside the home.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time, but arson investigators are at the scene.
Lily Cuellar lives across the street, several doors down from the destroyed house.
“It’s just horrible. I’m just glad it didn’t catch onto the other houses. Poor lady," Cuellar said. “She used to work at the downtown at the Mexican restaurant by the river. She used to work there for the longest time and she was always walking."
SAFD is strongly encouraging folks to make sure that they have working smoke detectors inside their homes. SAFD Battalion Chief A. Deason says they will be going door to door in the neighborhood to check for smoke detectors, and if the home doesn't have one, they will provide one for free. Chief Deason says that smoke detectors are a critical life-saving device and is a necessary tool to have in each room.
Chief Deason says that their department is really stressing fire safety after multiple recent fire fatalities. He believes that smoke detectors are a simple, cost efficient, life saving device that every room in every house needs.
People who cannot afford a smoke alarm can call the United Way Help Lifeline at 211 for free inspection and installations.
Nivia Perez called 211 a couple years ago when she had faulty smoke alarms.
“Fire department will come out, they’ll come and check it out, change your batteries if you need it," Perez said. “I sleep better and I’m more happier at my house knowing that I have those there for me.”
As for Cuellar, she's long overdue for a new smoke alarm.
“We have one but we need to replace it. It’s an old one," Cuellar said.
This is the second deadly fire in just a few days.
On Saturday, five people died in a house fire on the northeast side of town. Officials say that home only had one smoke detector.
SAFD is accepting smoke alarm donations in light of the large demand for installations.
The smoke alarms must be new and in their original packaging.
The devices can be dropped off at any fire station except fire Station 23 at the airport.
MORE LOCAL NEWS
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.