SAN ANTONIO — On Wednesday, officials confirmed 10 families were displaced after a massive fire tore through an apartment building on the northeast side.
It happened just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday at the Acadia on the Lake Apartments on Thousand Oaks Drive. According to investigators, the fire started on the second floor of an apartment building and quickly spread.
After making sure everyone was accounted for, crews attacked the second alarm fire from above as the second floor and roof started to collapse. Fire officials say one person was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
According to the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), a barbecue grill on a person's balcony likely started the fire. It's something several residents told KENS 5 on Tuesday.
"The neighbors were talking about how the dude was barbecuing on his patio because it was raining outside," said Antonio Harris. "So, he was barbecuing on his patio and it caught flames. It’s sad. Like people are going to come home - it’s not even 6 p.m. – people are going to come home and see that their house is gone. Barbecuing is never that serious! These people just got displaced and it affected a whole bunch of other lives. It’s not even worth it. They have designated barbecue grills where you can do that at [at the apartment complex]. It was just dumb."
SAFD recommends several grilling safety tips. Barbecuing on balconies is not allowed, according to a spokesperson for Acadia on the Lake.
However, tenants told KENS 5 it wasn't the first time someone barbecued on a balcony and property management knew about the violations.
“From what I understand, they got a letter before and were told not to do it [anymore]," said Frank Carrizales. "That’s what I was told.”
Carrizales lived right below the apartment that caught on fire.
“I just grabbed a few things I could and I moved my truck immediately because it’s right by the fire," he said. "It's a total loss; everything in there.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Carrizales start over. To help, click HERE.
In a letter to residents on Wednesday, the community manager said "absolutely no barbecue grills of any kind - hibachi, charcoal, or gas - are permitted to be used or stored on patios, community grounds, hallways, or breezeways."
"All residents must remove their grills immediately," the community manager's letter continued. "An inspection will be done tomorrow morning. Failure to comply will result in management intervention without further notice."
Property management says 12 units were damaged, but two were vacant. The leasing office has reportedly placed impacted tenants who were interested in remaining at the property in new units. A spokesperson said they are also working with the Red Cross and local nonprofits to meet the immediate needs of displaced families.
Officials at Acadia on the Lake also said residents are required to have renters’ insurance. However, we've learned some of the polices don’t cover the loss of personal property.
No one is facing charges in the case. Since arson investigators were not called to the scene, the incident is likely being treated as an accident.