It was just past 11 p.m. on Sunday when residents across Austin began noticing a glow in the sky. What many first mistook for a late-night construction light soon turned into a terrifying realization — a large fire was tearing through the Motel 9 near the University and Downtown area. Within minutes, thick, dark smoke rose high above the city skyline, visible for miles in every direction. Videos shared on the Citizen app quickly went viral, showing multiple structures completely consumed by flames as the sound of sirens echoed through the night.

According to the Austin Fire Department (AFD), crews were dispatched almost immediately after the first 911 calls came in reporting flames bursting from the motel’s upper floors. Firefighters arrived to find the building already heavily involved, with parts of the roof collapsing and the blaze threatening to spread to nearby businesses. Several engines, ladders, and support vehicles surrounded the block as responders began working to contain the inferno before it could cause even greater devastation.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as guests and staff scrambled to escape the burning building. “It spread fast — faster than anyone expected,” said one motel guest who had been staying there for the weekend. “One moment, the alarms were going off, and the next, the entire side of the building was on fire. People were running out barefoot, leaving their bags behind.”

Another witness, a rideshare driver parked nearby, said he saw smoke pouring from the roof before flames burst through the windows. “It was unbelievable,” he recounted. “The fire grew so quickly that you could feel the heat from the street. Firefighters showed up fast, but the flames were already out of control.”

The Austin Fire Department quickly declared a second alarm, calling in more units to help fight the spreading blaze. Firefighters battled intense heat and shifting winds that made conditions dangerous and unpredictable. Teams worked both inside and outside the structure, using water hoses, aerial ladders, and foam to suppress the flames. Nearby residents were urged to stay indoors and keep their windows closed as smoke filled the surrounding neighborhoods.

By midnight, a large portion of the motel’s roof had caved in. Fire crews focused their efforts on preventing the fire from reaching adjacent structures, including a restaurant and a small apartment complex located less than fifty feet away. Thanks to their quick response, those buildings were saved, though the motel itself was largely reduced to a charred skeleton.

Authorities have not yet confirmed any injuries or fatalities, but several individuals were treated on the scene for smoke inhalation. Paramedics set up a triage area on the street corner, offering oxygen and basic medical attention to those affected by the heavy smoke. Firefighters worked through the night, rotating in shifts as the fire continued to smolder.

Austin Fire Battalion Chief Miguel Torres spoke briefly with reporters at the scene. “This was a fast-moving and aggressive fire,” he said. “Our teams responded immediately and worked hard to stop it from spreading. We’re thankful there have been no confirmed casualties so far, but we’re still conducting a full search once it’s safe to enter the structure.”

Several displaced guests were assisted by the Red Cross, which arrived to provide temporary shelter and basic necessities. Many lost personal belongings, including clothing, electronics, and travel documents. Volunteers handed out blankets, water, and food to those gathered in the parking lot, watching as their rooms burned to ash.

“I was visiting Austin for a concert,” said a young woman named Kayla, still visibly shaken. “All my stuff was in the room — my laptop, my passport, everything. I barely got out with my phone and keys. I just ran when I smelled the smoke.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though early reports suggest it may have started on the second floor. Investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office are expected to examine the site once it cools down enough to enter safely. Electrical issues or an unattended appliance have not been ruled out, but officials emphasize that it’s too early to draw conclusions.

Roads around the motel remain closed, including sections of Guadalupe Street and West 23rd, as crews continue working to extinguish hot spots. The area has been cordoned off to ensure public safety, and drivers are advised to avoid the vicinity until cleanup operations are complete. City officials also warned residents to expect delays during Monday’s morning commute.

Local businesses have been affected as well. Several nearby shops reported smoke damage, and some cafes and convenience stores remained closed Monday morning. The city’s building department will conduct safety inspections to determine whether surrounding structures were compromised by the heat.

For long-time residents of the area, the incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly disaster can strike. The motel, a decades-old fixture near the university, had been a budget-friendly option for travelers and students alike. Though not considered a landmark, it was part of the neighborhood’s everyday rhythm — now reduced to debris and blackened brick.

In the aftermath, the community has come together in remarkable ways. Local restaurants have offered free meals to those displaced, and an online fundraiser was launched overnight to support victims who lost their possessions. Within hours, donations began pouring in, reflecting the city’s enduring spirit of compassion and solidarity.

Mayor Kirk Watson addressed the incident in a statement early Monday morning, praising the quick action of firefighters and first responders. “Austin’s emergency crews once again demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism,” he said. “We’re grateful for their efforts and thankful that, despite the scale of this fire, lives were saved. Our community will continue to stand by those affected as recovery efforts begin.”

By dawn, the flames were finally under control, though smoke continued to drift through the air. Firefighters remained on site to monitor for flare-ups and to begin preliminary cleanup. The once-busy street, usually filled with students and traffic, was eerily quiet except for the hum of fire trucks and the soft hiss of water still being sprayed over the charred remains.

As Austin wakes to the aftermath of this devastating blaze, questions remain about how it started and what can be done to prevent similar tragedies. But amid the loss, one thing is clear: the city’s resilience burns brighter than the fire that tried to consume it.