By Edmond Ortiz
The city of Universal City and a local church are among the area organizations and business helping residents who were displaced by a major fire that flared up at their apartment complex on Dec. 7.
What is happening
First responders from Universal City and several area agencies responded to the fire at the Falcon Ridge Apartments; flames destroyed 11 units, and seriously damaged 53 others, according to a statement issued by local officials.
No injuries were reported, and Universal City authorities are investigating the cause behind the fire. Officials added that the fire posed significant challenges to firefighters because the apartments shared attic space that appears to have contributed to the spread of the flames.
City officials said all tenants and their pets that were affected by the fire have been temporarily rehoused. Local authorities added that recent reports or rumors of the apartment property being condemned are inaccurate.
“It’s a miracle that there were no injuries and no fatalities,” Fire Chief Todd Perna said in a statement. “This could have been a completely different story had the fire started at two in the morning versus 4:35 p.m.”
According to city officials, affected tenants wanting to get to their personal belongings will likely have to wait a few days before being permitted to enter the apartment property.
Affected residents who have more immediate needs, such as medication, are encouraged to contact apartment management, a press release stated.
Staff at Falcon Ridge lauded Universal City’s first responders and animal control officers for quickly providing assistance on the scene. The city’s police and fire departments arrived at the apartment complex within four minutes of receiving the dispatch call, according to the release.
The city’s animal care and control facility has temporarily rehoused some of the pets affected by the fire, local officials added.
“We want to commend the Universal City police, fire and animal control for the fast response. They handled not just the fire, but the people who live here as well,” Judy Marquez, apartment staff member, said in a statement.
Reaching out
In the meantime, First Baptist Church Universal City reached capacity for holding a variety of physical essentials that community members donated in order to help displaced residents.
First Baptist Church still runs a webpage where community members may make a financial donation, which will go directly to help affected residents.
American Red Cross-Greater San Antonio Chapter sprang into action, opening a temporary shelter for displaced residents, and offering other forms of aid.
Staff at the new, local Chick-fil-A, which opened in October in Universal City, donated breakfast to affected residents on Dec. 8.
Representatives for the local Red Cross chapter said anyone affected by the fire who needs immediate help should call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) for information.
Slim Chickens restaurant in Schertz, 909 FM 3009, will host a fundraiser for Falcon Ridge residents on Dec. 12. Customers may visit between 5 and 10 p.m. and mention “Falcon Ridge fundraiser” upon ordering, and the restaurant will donate 15% of proceeds to displaced residents.
