AUSTIN, Texas — The South Austin fire that displaced 19 people is an arson case, according to the Austin Fire Department.
An affidavit has been fired for an arrest warrant to be issued for 26-year-old Richelle Williams in connection to the fire.
The fire happened overnight and the initial call came in just before 3:30 a.m. Friday. Fire officials believe the cause of the fire was incendiary and intentionally set.
The fire started in a closet at a four-plex in southwest Austin near Slaughter Lane and Manchaca. There were working smoke alarms in the four-plex, and at least $150,000 in structural damage and about $50,000 in content damages resulted from the fire, officials said.
Firefighters rescued several people from their balconies.
There are no reported injuries at this time.
But neighbors in the area are concerned that this fire could have spread quickly if AFD hadn't put it out.
"Yes it is very concerning," said resident Elvira Flores. "With the units that are so close together, and al the trees and the grass it could have easily spread from one four-plex to the next four-plex."
It happened just two doors down from Flores' apartment. She said it's alarming and now she will be on the lookout for anything suspicious.
"I have children and my grandchild is always here from time to time and sometimes they spend the night and that puts me on high alert because it could affect a lot of us," said Flores.
People who lived in the complex did not want to talk to KVUE on camera, but did say it was a very long and hard day.
All 19 people displaced are getting help from the Red Cross.
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