SAN ANTONIO — Five people, including three children died after in a tragic house fire early Saturday morning on the northeast side of San Antonio.
The fire started around 3 a.m. in a home on Winding Oak Drive, near Birch Tree Street.
When SAPD arrived on scene they kicked the door down and could hear people screaming inside the house. Firefighters eventually arrived and embarked on a rescue operation.
SAFD Fire Chief Charles Hood said two adults and three children died in the fire. One man remains in the hospital. In remarks on Monday, Chief Hood said it was the deadliest fire in his tenure as leader of the department since 2012.
Among the deceased are three children, ages 6, 11 and 12. The Medical Examiner has identified the 11-year-old as Lillie Valadez, the 6-year-old as Isabella Morales and one adult as 50-year-old Felicia Ann Valadez. The other adult killed is a 27-year-old woman.
Hood said Monday the fire started in the garage and was contained to the garage. However, heavy smoke filled the entire home.
The cause of the fire is not yet known. Hood said there was one working smoke detector upstairs, but there needed to be more in the house. He emphasized the need for smoke alarms in every bedroom and hallway, and an escape plan as well.
He said a multi-generational family was living at the home. Hood said the grandfather survived but is in critical condition.
“Everybody is devastated," said Lisa Fry, who lives nearby.
Fry said it was not until she woke up Saturday morning that she realized her neighbor's house had caught fire.
"I was hoping everybody got out because it didn’t look like the whole house burned down," Fry said.
When Fry learned of the deaths, she said she was heartbroken. Marla Hargrade also lives along Winding Oak Dr. and said she is still shocked.
“I can’t imagine what’s going through the mind of Fernando that’s left surviving," Hargrade said. "Hopefully he continues to survive.”
On Saturday, firefighters knocked on each door in the neighborhood to offer free smoke alarms. Both Fry and Hargrade said this tragedy has served as wake-up call.
“I tracked down the fire department to come look at them, make sure everything is in good working order which it is so I’m grateful they were out and about checking out all the neighbors," Hargrade said.
11-year-old Lillie Valadez and the 12-year-old boy were set to attend Harris Middle School in the fall. Northeast Independent School District released this statement:
"This is an absolute, unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts are with the family during this extremely difficult time. NEISD counselors will provide support for our students and staff."
Hood said in remarks to the media that his crew members will be greatly affected by this incident.
"Members that were here tonight, we will make sure that they get a critical incident stress debrief," he said. "It's very challenging to see some of the images and experience what they experienced, bringing out a family of six."
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.