SAFD: Family displaced, dog killed following Southwest Side house fire

The family did find a safe place to stay after the fire and arson is investigating

SAN ANTONIO – A family of four is displaced and their dog was found deceased inside their home after it went up in flames overnight, according to the San Antonio Fire Department.

More than a dozen fire units were called to the scene around 4 a.m., Sunday, in the 5900 block of Bowsprit Street.

Firefighters said the fire began in the living room and then quickly spread throughout the home.

“We had to fight fire from the outside,” fire battalion chief Brad May said. “We did have a problem… (on) the right side of the house, but we were able to contain that and keep that at bay.”

Slight charring can be seen on the exterior of a neighbor’s home from the flames.

The family — a husband, wife, and two kids — was inside of the home when the fire started, but they were able to escape safely, according to fire officials.

“We know of two adults and at least two children (were inside),” May said. “They were completely safe and unharmed.”

Throughout the morning, firefighters remained on the scene to monitor hotspots while the family watched from the sidewalk in disbelief.

All of their belongings were destroyed and a beloved member of the family didn’t make it out alive — their pet chihuahua.

Family loses home and pet during house fire. (Copyright 2021 by KSAT - All rights reserved.)

Officials were able to get the fire under control, but the home was deemed a total loss, as damages were estimated at $150,000.

The family did have a safe place to stay following the fire and arson has been called to investigate. No foul play is suspected.

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Woman hospitalized after multi-vehicle crash involving 18-wheeler on Southwest Side, police say


About the Authors:

Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12. She previously worked for WICS/WRSP 20 in Springfield, Illinois.

Alicia Barrera is a KSAT 12 News reporter and anchor. She is also a co-host of the streaming show KSAT News Now. Alicia is a first-generation Mexican-American, fluent in both Spanish and English with a bachelor's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. She enjoys reading books, traveling solo across Mexico and spending time with family.