New Year’s Day blaze, sparked by fireworks, consumes garage

Jeff B. Flinn, Managing Editor
01/04/2025 05:00 AM

An early morning Jan. 1 blaze attributed to the storage of fireworks was allowed to burn itself out, under the watchful eye of Boerne firefighters.

Boerne Fire Chief Manny Casarez said fire crews were dispatched shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday to investigate a blaze in the 400 block of Whitworth Road, confirming it as structure fire upon arrival.

“Due to the remote nature of the home, responding trucks faced water supply challenges, requiring the use of Tender trucks and drafting operations,” Casarez said.

The fire involved a detached garage filled with hybrid vehicles, complicating efforts due to the Lithium-Ion batteries. The fire did not threaten the main residence.

The cause was identified as spent fireworks in the back of a UTV.

Crews allowed the fire to burn out under controlled conditions, maintaining scene safety throughout the night. Firefighters cleared the site shortly after 2:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day, the chief said.

“Due to the remote nature of the home, responding trucks faced water supply challenges, requiring the use of Tender trucks and drafting operations.”