Austin Task Force Addresses Safety Concerns by Tackling Vacant Building Fires

Austin Task Force Takes Steps to Address Vacant Building Issues

Austin, Texas —

The City of Austin’s vacant building task force is making strides in its mission to demolish and clean up vacant structures around the city. This development comes amid a rise in fires in abandoned buildings, raising safety concerns for residents.

On Monday evening, the Austin Fire Department (AFD) reported at least four vacant buildings caught fire at the intersection of South Congress Avenue and E Dittmar Road. The lingering smell of smoke in the air was a stark reminder of the incident, which involved multiple small encampments on the property, according to Assistant Chief Thayer Smith from AFD.

“We respond to fires caused by individuals who are unhoused and taking shelter in abandoned properties,” explained Smith. He stressed that the frequency of such fires is troubling, stating, “Usually, we see it ebb and flow with the weather, but that’s really not the case now.” The rise in vacant buildings can be attributed to various factors, including changes in the economy.

In response to growing concerns, the city established a vacant structure task force in 2023. According to Smith, the demolition process of these buildings can take several months. However, he confirmed that progress is underway. Recent actions include the start of cleanup efforts at 900 Old Koenig Ln., where the demolition process began on Thursday with necessary lead and asbestos abatement. The Homeless Strategy Office reported that 14 individuals were removed from that site, with nine of them accepting assistance and resources offered by the city.

The Development Services Department anticipates that the demolition of the Old Koenig Lane property will be completed in a few weeks. Over time, this location has seen multiple incidents of fire, including a significant two-alarm fire that required evacuations of unhoused individuals.

Smith shared that three vacant buildings at 3511 E 7th St. were successfully demolished due to the task force’s efforts. This area had been a frequent site for fire and medical emergency calls, underscoring the dangers posed by abandoned structures.

“At the end of the day, our mission is to make sure all of our firefighters go home safe,” said Smith. He cautioned that vacant buildings not only pose risks for the community but also for the safety of fire crews who respond to these hazardous situations. Tragically, there have been cases across the nation where firefighters have lost their lives while dealing with such buildings.

Currently, there is a list of 25 to 50 problematic vacant structures. Smith stated that the task force is prioritizing those that are causing the greatest issues for residents. The goal is to create safer neighborhoods by addressing these hazardous buildings directly.

In a related statement, the Homeless Strategy Office assured that “The City of Austin is actively engaged in efforts to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.” The initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of vacant properties while simultaneously offering support to those affected by homelessness.

As the task force continues its efforts, the hope is that increased demolitions will lead to fewer fires, enhanced safety for firefighters, and more secure living environments for all Austin residents. The city remains focused on turning the tides on this issue, one structure at a time.