Crews battle blaze at 'hoarder's' house on West Side

SAFD crews battle a blaze in the 5000 block of Blessing Street May 26, 2014. (Photo by Kolten Parker/San Antonio Express-News) SAFD crews battle a blaze in the 5000 block of Blessing Street May 26, 2014. (Photo by Kolten Parker/San Antonio Express-News) Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Crews battle blaze at 'hoarder's' house on West Side 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Fire Department crews battled a one-story blaze on the West Side Monday and were challenged by an accumulation of items in the residence that prevented easy access and navigation, officials said.

Shortly after 7 a.m., at least nine units were dispatched to the home on the 5000 block of Blessing Street, near Culebra Avenue. No injuries were reported and the damage is still being evaluated.

“There were a large amount of items in the house that made it hard to maneuver,” said SAFD Captain Mike Mulroney. “It is possibly a hoarder's house.”

Mulroney said the fire took longer than usual to control because of items in and around the house.

SAFD is investigating the cause of the fire.

Eduardo Garza, who lives at the residence, said he suspected the cause of the fire was arson.

“It sounded like a bottle exploded in the back right before (the fire) started,” Garza said.