Fire destroys antique shop on near NW Side

SAN ANTONIO – An antique shop on the city's Northwest Side that has been closed for several years was destroyed by fire Sunday night.

More than 12 fire units responded to the blaze around 8 p.m. in the 1400 block of West Hildebrand.

Fire officials aren't sure what caused the fire, but said flames could be seen coming from the top of the two-story building when they arrived.

No one was inside the building, said San Antonio Fire Department battalion chief Walter Yates.

Yates said since the structure was empty except for a few old desks, he decided to use a defensive strategy in battling the blaze.

"Due to the deterioration of the brick and what not, it was best to pull everybody out," he said. "It just wasn't worth risking anybody for an unoccupied structure."

No other buildings were damaged during the fire.

Yates said he will suggest that the building be knocked down this week.