Fire on Hays

House Fire at 800 Hays St. San Antonio, TX : Cell phone pictures and short video. Sadly an elderly Woman Lost her life in this fire. I wanted to write out what i heard from the people while I was there:

First, listen to Live Dispatch of the SAFD responding - Audio Dispatch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH_Nx3CgZO4
Channel: SAFDLiveDispatch

I could smell smoke early from several blocks away. I arrived seeing some Firefighters sitting on the steps of the church, getting hydrated by IV, and all the neighbors out watching very concerned at the fire and smoke. I spoke to a man and a boy, about 8 years old. The boy told me that there was an elderly lady there, and that it was her airconditioner that overheated. (the news is reporting she was a smoker, and alluded to that being a cause. She supposedly just had recent surgery) He said to me, that a man tried to get in, before SAFD arrived, and that when he tried to open the door, flames came out and he couldnt get inside. 30 Official Units were on the scene, including our great Fire Chief. The media huddled together across the street. I rode my bike a bit closer, and started filming, right when the policemen came to tell the daughter on the scene that her mother was inside, and did not make it. Very sad scene and her scream will stay with me a while. I debated putting that in the video, but it was real and was wrenching moment. The smoke was still pouring out and another group of firemen were going around back of the house to continue fighting the blaze. Smoke was heavier and the plumes were enveloping the street. I rode back up to the church, to talk to other neighbors and people. As i stood there, a car pulled up and 2 women ran out. The lady in green floral nurse scrubs, looked me in the eye and yelled, "Did they get my momma out?!! Did they get my mother out?!!" I froze a moment. I wasnt going to tell her that her mom had just perished, so i said, "Everyone is across the street. Your family is across the street!!" I watched her run, praying that she would gain the strength to hear what i knew they would tell her. I saw a man hug her and then i heard the scream again... I watched her being held by her family and the neighbors. Very sad scene. There was a wake going on inside the church at the time of the fire. The sign at the church read "Amazing Grace" which made a poignant photo. I am continually thankful to our SAFD, and first responders, that risk their own lifes getting these fires out and saving nearby homes and lives. These old homes on the East Side of downtown are like tinder boxes in our horrible historic South Texas drought.
SAFD:
http://www.ci.sat.tx.us/safd/?res=1440&ver=true
http://www.sanantoniofire.org/safd/safd_dispatch.htm

Music from CC Mixter: Amazing Grace - bagpipes
http://ccmixter.org/files/hellcreature/24639

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• fire
• hays street
• san antonio
• house fire
• SAFD
• smoke
• home
• firemen
• amazing grace
• church
• fatality
• elderly woman

[battlebauble]

Oh, man! :(

[hallbe]

Yikes!

[NaturalTwentyFilms]

That is always sad to see. Are you anywhere near the wildfires?

[fehquig]

The cries of the girl will haunt me...

[jimmymac30]

tragic and sad, god bless the victim's family and those heroic firefighters who rush into burning buildings

[spikeport]

Wow.....how incredibly sad!!! Those old houses fill with smoke so so fast!! Hope your ok Cook!!