AUSTIN, Texas — Austin fire crews tackled fires at two buildings in East Austin on Tuesday night.
The fires happened right next to each other, just off East Cesar Chavez Street near Levander Loop. One started at about 8:30 p.m., while the other started at about 8:45 p.m.
The fires were both put out Tuesday night, and no injuries were reported. Fire officials told KVUE both were vacant buildings, so the fire department is investigating what sparked the fires.
In the past few months, Austin Fire Department officials have told KVUE they have been battling more fires in vacant buildings. Many times, they're started by people who are camping inside.
The department has been ramping up its efforts to work with the Austin Homeless Strategy Office and the Code Department to get those buildings cleared out and demolished.