Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Fire Darkens WOAI-TV For Six Hours




WOAI-TV San Antonio was off the air more than six hours Tuesday after a fire forced staffers to evacuate their downtown offices during the morning newscast but caused no injuries.

The fire started about 5 a.m., and broadcasting was suspended. The station didn't return to the air until 11:10 a.m.

According to mysantonio.com, the NBC affiliate returned to local broadcasting with Randy Beamer and Delaine Mathieu anchoring a special 4 p.m. newscast from a WOAI parking lot at Navarro and St. Mary's streets.

Assistant Fire Chief Oscar Gonzalez said flames were shooting out the second floor when firefighters arrived at WOAI.

He said they extinguished the blaze in about an hour, though nearby streets were closed for hours more.

Fire Department spokesman Christian Bove said the cause remained undetermined late Tuesday and officials put the preliminary damage estimate at $600,000.

Station General Manager John Seabers said the fire was contained to the second-floor offices.

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