AFD: Plumber's Torch Sparks House Fire, Destroying Austin Home

Updated: Wednesday, March 5 2014, 06:32 AM CST

Breaking news overnight: fire guts a South Austin home. On Wednesday morning, fire crews are blaming a plumbers torch for starting the blaze.

It happened on the 10000 block of Pinehurst Drive, near I-35 and Onion Creek Parkway, just hours before a family was set to move into the home, relocating from Dallas. One fire captain told KEYE TV overnight that fires started by construction accidents like these are more common that most people think. But, he says, construction crews usually catch it before it gets to this level.

The home is a total loss.On Wednesday morning, fire officials estimate theres about $325,000 worth of damage to the home. Firefighters think the fire may have been smoldering all Tuesday afternoon then flared into a full-blown blaze just before 11 p.m. A Travis County Sheriffs deputy reportedly called it in after seeing flames as he drove by. No people or property were inside the home, and no one was hurt. Crews knocked down the fire within a half hour, but flames were still reigniting through the overnight hours.

As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, crews were still on Pinehurst and plan to stay through the morning to make sure no hot spots flare up.

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AFD: Plumber's Torch Sparks House Fire, Destroying Austin Home