Investigators suspect squatters may have been responsible for a fire in an unoccupied home on the city's north side this morning, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
When firefighters arrived at the home on Tree Crossing, which is just off Jones Maltsburger near Wurzbach Parkway, thick smoke was already pouring out of the home.
Firefighters entered the vacant home and managed to put out the fire, which started in the kitchen.A police officer who spotted the flames was treated on the scene for possible smoke inhalation.
Officials said even though the home was 'unoccupied,' there was evidence that somebody had been inside the house and arson investigators are looking into a cause.
Homeless squatters and drug users have been responsible for several fires in unoccupied homes since the cold weather season began last fall. They break in either to find a place to sleep or to use drugs, and frequently set fires to keep warm.