The fire destroyed three buildings and 110 units. Six people with injuries were transported to local hospitals. One suffered critical injuries and is being treated at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The other five have non life-threatening injuries, according to the city of San Marcos. Four people have not been accounted for as of 2 p.m. Friday.
City leaders held a press conference to acknowledge the response while firefighters were still on the scene. Temperatures are expected to reach 105 degrees today.
“It’s one thing to hear about firefighters running into burning buildings, it’s another thing to actually see that occur,” San Marcos Mayor John Thomaides said.
Thomaides thanked the Kyle, Buda, New Braunfels, South Hayes, Canyon Lake and Seguin fire departments for their assistance, along with police and first responders from the area. He also had a message for those affected by the early morning fire.
“If you were injured, if you were hurt, we are praying for you,” Thomaides said at a press conference Friday morning. “We feel for you. If you’re a family member of one of the victims or even one of the displaced families, we’re going to be here for you. We’re going to work with the Red Cross, we’re going to work with all the resources that we can to help get you a full and speedy recovery if you were injured or housing if you are now without that.”
Where to get help and how to help
Residents displaced by the fire may go to a shelter at the San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins, San Marcos. Local American Red Cross volunteers, part of the Disaster Action Team, are helping victims with shelter, food and emotional assistance to those affected by the fire. Donations are welcome at www.redcross.org/donate.
"This can be a very frightening experience for the residents involved said Libby Castillo, regional communications director for the American Red Cross Central & South Texas. "Volunteers are here to ensure that the affected residents have the immediate needs and support to get them on their next steps to recovery."
The Salvation Army has set up a food truck at the location and working to find housing, clothing and other items for the residents. Donations to the Salvation Army are welcome at their San Marcos office, 300 S. CM Allen Parkway, Ste. 100 or visit www.salvationarmytexas.org.
A family assistance center has also been established at Westover Baptist Church, 1310 Advance St., San Marcos. Food, medical, counseling, financial and housing assistance is offered there.
An emergency information hotline has been established at 512-754-2291. Donations also may be made to the Blanco River Regional Recovery Team at www.br3t.org. Click donate and enter the word "iconic" in the comments.
Other issues due to the fire
City officials said power has been temporarily cut in the area to aid firefighting efforts and will be reconnected with the fire is extinguished. Officials also closed the San Marcos River for recreational use in the city limits today as residue from the burned units ended up in the river.
