Austin, October 6, 2025
News Summary
On Sunday evening, a major fire broke out at an abandoned building in Austin’s Rodeway Inn, affecting nearby structures and prompting a large response from local firefighters. Over 60 firefighters battled the blaze, which took about 45 minutes to bring under control. While no evacuation orders were issued and civilian injuries were reported, one firefighter suffered heat-related injuries. The intense flames led to a temporary power outage for over 4,300 customers, and traffic disruptions were noted along I-35 as authorities managed the situation and investigated the cause.
Austin faced a significant fire incident on Sunday evening when flames broke out at an abandoned building near I-35, specifically at the Rodeway Inn motel located in the 2900 block of the North Interstate 35 frontage road, near Dean Keeton Street. The fire was reported shortly after 6 p.m. by Austin Fire Division Chief Eddie Martinez.
Upon arrival, firefighters found flames erupting from every window and door of the structure, and the fire extended its reach to an adjacent abandoned Ethiopian restaurant. In response to the developing situation, a total of more than 60 firefighters were dispatched to combat the blaze, which took approximately 40 to 45 minutes to bring under control. Fortunately, no evacuation orders were issued for nearby residents, and no civilian injuries were reported. However, one firefighter did sustain heat-related injuries during the operation.
Due to the intensity and height of the flames, electricity in the vicinity was temporarily shut off by Austin Energy, affecting around 4,324 customers. Power was restored shortly thereafter. Witness reports indicated that smoke could be seen from as far as 15 miles away, with notable visibility from the ACL festival grounds, approximately 6 miles distant.
As firefighters continued to monitor the area throughout the night and extinguish remaining flames, the southbound I-35 frontage road was closed for several hours to facilitate the response efforts, contributing to traffic congestion in the area. Authorities have advised the public to steer clear of the vicinity to ensure both safety and effective operations for emergency responders.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and arson investigators are currently on the scene to assess the situation. Firefighters will continue to remain on-site to ensure that the blaze is completely extinguished and that no further hazards arise.
Supporting Context
This incident represents a growing concern regarding abandoned properties and their potential hazards to public safety. Local authorities have been urged to review safety protocols and address the risks associated with such structures—especially in densely populated areas.
Traffic and Public Safety
Traffic congestion due to the incident was noted along Interstate 35 since smoke and flames were visible from extensive distances. Local drivers were advised to seek alternative routes as the fire response continued.
Summary of Key Facts
- Fire broke out at an abandoned motel in Austin.
- Occurred on Sunday evening, shortly after 6 p.m.
- More than 60 firefighters were dispatched to control the blaze.
- No evacuation orders were issued, and no civilian injuries reported.
- One firefighter sustained heat-related injuries.
- Electricity was temporarily shut off, affecting approximately 4,324 customers.
- Cause of the fire is undetermined, with arson investigators at the scene.
- Traffic disruptions noted on I-35, with authorities advising the public to avoid the area.
FAQ
What caused the fire at the abandoned building in Austin?
The cause of the fire is currently undetermined, with arson investigators at the scene.
Were there any injuries reported?
No civilian injuries were reported; however, one firefighter sustained heat-related injuries.
How long did it take to bring the fire under control?
The fire took approximately 40 to 45 minutes to bring under control.
Was the public evacuated during this incident?
No evacuation orders were issued for nearby residents.
What impact did the fire have on the local electricity supply?
Electricity in the vicinity was temporarily shut off by Austin Energy due to the intensity and height of the flames, affecting around 4,324 customers, but power was restored shortly after.
How many firefighters responded to the blaze?
A total of more than 60 firefighters were dispatched to combat the blaze.
Charts and Key Features
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Sunday evening |
| Location | 2900 block of North Interstate 35, Austin |
| Firefighter Response | More than 60 firefighters |
| Electricity Impact | Affected 4,324 customers |
| Injuries Reported | One firefighter injured |
| Cause of Fire | Undetermined |
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Additional Resources
- KVUE Austin Report
- Wikipedia: I-35 Fire Austin
- CBS Austin News
- Google Search: Austin Abandoned Motel Fire
- Hindustan Times Coverage
- Google Scholar: Austin Fire Motel I-35
- Fox 7 Austin News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Motel Fire
- Times Now News
- Google News: Austin Fire Abandoned Hotel
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
