ARANSAS PASS (Kiii News) -
A fire in Aransas Pass destroyed a beloved and historic hotel in the community. The Jackson Hotel was pretty much left in rubble following the blaze.
A viewer sent in footage of the fire, which started around 6 p.m. Tuesday. The two-story wood-framed structure went up in flames quickly, according to witnesses. Fortunately, everyone was able to get out safely. One person was transported to a hospital with minor injures.
It took crews from the Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Rockport and Ingleside fire departments about 30 minutes to get the blaze under control.
"I could feel the heat from like, 65-feet away," said Cody Robbins, who witnessed the fire. "I was watching flames on top and the roof caved in."
"We didn't believe it, because we saw the smoke from a distance but how do you believe that's what's happening?" said John DeChamp, who lived in the Jackson Hotel. "I lost $2,100, all my military papers. We're homeless now."
The American Red Cross has stepped in to help those displaced by the fire. As for what caused the blaze, that is still unknown.
