More Than 35 Units Battle San Antonio Hotel Fire

Crews had to return to the downtown hotel and spa near the River Walk after smoke and lingering flames were later discovered in the building's vents Wednesday.

Two streets remain closed downtown Wednesday as more than 35 units from the San Antonio Fire Department respond a River Walk hotel.

Firefighters originally extinguished a fire around 5 a.m. at Mokara Hotel & Spa at 212 East Commerce Street, near The Aztec Theatre. However, SAFD returned to the area around 8 a.m. because to smoke and a light fire still in the vents of the hotel, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said

More than 60 people were displaced from the hotel when the first fire broke out. After allowing people back in, firefighters evacuated hotel guests again around 8:30 a.m. due to the smoke.

"They (fires) rekindle sometimes," Hood said. "Sometimes with older buildings something flares up."

East Commerce and West Crockett streets between Navarro and North Saint Mary's streets are closed.

The fire started from the kitchen of the basement bar, Waxy's, and spread into the air vents of the Mokara Hotel, Hood said.

It is unclear how the fire in the kitchen started, but Hood said the hotel is currently clear of any fire.

There is currently a significant amount of water in the building, but no estimated damage at this time, Hood said.

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©2019 the San Antonio Express-News

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