AFD unable to determine cause of massive South Austin fire

(Chris Wilkinson, Austin Fire Department)

The Austin Fire Department has closed the Bannister Lane fire investigation and ruled that the cause of the fire cannot be determined. The fire started at a three-story condo complex that was under construction on Banister Lane. The fire had spread to a nearby parking lot as well as nearby apartment complexes.

The fire started around 4 a.m. in the 400 block of Banister Lane, near US 290, on Thursday, September 19. 

Officials say a number of cars and apartment units in the surrounding apartment complexes were destroyed.

The Austin Fire Department released the following statement:

One man who lives in the area had interrupted the Austin Fire Department news conference in September to voice his opinion that it was the homeless responsible.

---

RELATED

PHOTOS: AFD releases before and after drone photos following large South Austin fire

Fire destroys South Austin condos under construction, nearby apartments

All occupants safe following large fire in South Austin

Firefighters battle large structure fire in South Austin