Fire at former SAISD headquarters near downtown may have been sparked by drug users, SAFD says

Property is now owned by the Pearl

Drugs may have played a part in a fire at the former San Antonio ISD headquarters near downtown early Tuesday, according to the fire department.

The fire happened at around 5:45 a.m. in a former mobile classroom unit in the 100 block of Lavaca Street, not far from South Alamo Street and Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard.

SAFD said people who are homeless may have played a role in the fire, and drugs may have been involved. No injuries were reported.

“Upon their investigation, they found a couple of crack pipes, some balloons, and some butane cans and some half-cut cans that folks are using to put their drugs in ... so that’s all in that area in that corner where the fire started,” Battalion Chief John Castillo said.

No one was located or arrested, he said.

Castillo said the Pearl bought the property from SAISD. A Pearl representative said it is not the first time they’ve had an incident like this happen at the property.


About the Authors
Rebecca Salinas headshot

Rebecca Salinas is the Digital Executive Producer at KSAT 12 News. A San Antonio native, Rebecca is an award-winning journalist who joined KSAT in 2019.

Alicia Barrera headshot

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.

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