U.C, Courthouse is closed today. State Fire Martial and officials from San Antonio and New Braunfels coming to investigate the cause of the fire
by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian: Photos by Robinson
Shortly before 8 AM Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco and Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon McCutchen were seen on the east sidewalk across from the Courthouse where an overnight blaze caused damage to the Uvalde County Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office.
The resulting damage also caused smoke damage throughout the building. The Uvalde Police Department has closed North East Street and East North Street blocking the streets and areas around the Courthouse with yellow police tape.
Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell was seen talking to other officials and talking on the phone near the courthouse.
Sheriff Nolasco said the call came in about 1:20 Wednesday morning. He also said that the State Fire Marshal will be coming from San Antonio and a fire investigation team will be arriving from New Braunfels with a trained dog. He went on to say his department is not speculating if the fire was accidental or intentionally set but will follow where the evidence leads.
County Tax Assessor / Collector Rita Verstuyft said that all of the records from her office are online and saved by the State of Texas Office located in Austin. She said that anyone needing to do business for vehicle registration can visit www.txdmv.gov online or visit a Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office in a neighboring county. She stated that her office is looking into the possibility of setting up a temporary office at the Uvalde County Elections office but right now that plan is still being discussed.
Verstyuft said her husband received a call about 2 AM this morning about the Courthouse fire and she drove to Uvalde from her residence in Knippa to the scene shortly afterwards.
She also said she is thankful no one was killed or injured by the fire and that no records were lost.
