SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio firefighters battled what they described as a suspicious fire at an East Side home early Wednesday morning.
Fire crews responded to the home on Lakewood Drive at Bible Street just before 5 a.m.
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Crews said the fire is believed to have started in the garage, and at one point, firefighters had to pull back efforts because the fire increased dramatically.
"We're trying to look for victims, and the fire takes off. When we have to pull out of the structure -- because the fire takes off like that when we have not completed a primary -- is what ... is scary to us for possible occupants," said San Antonio fire Battalion Chief Connie Hall.
Fire officials believe an accelerant may have been used to start the fire and the arson unit was called to investigate.
However, arson investigators were not able to find a cause and said there was no forced entry at the home.
No one was inside at the time of the fire, but the homeowner arrived at the scene and was visibly upset. She asked for EMS treatment.
San Antonio police said they have responded to the home before for domestic disputes, and that adds to the possibility the fire was intentionally set.
The homeowner and her family said they believe her ex-boyfriend set the house on fire.
"He kicked her front door in a couple of months ago, and he assaulted her Sunday. She (filed) charges ... against him (with) the police department," said Cynthia Citizen, a family member.
Family members are holding out hope that investigators will find out what happened.
"I just hope they can prove who did it and catch him and (so) they won't have to live in fear," Citizen said.
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