Disaster Recovery Done Right: Trust Atlas for Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Balch Springs, TX.
When you own a business, property damage is an unfortunate occurrence that happens all too often. Property damage can be caused by any number of disasters, both natural and man-made. Most often, however, property damage happens from an excess of water. From very heavy rainstorms to broken pipes, water damage can be incredibly harmful not just for your storefront but for your customers.
When water spreads through your commercial property, it happens quickly, causing damage as it moves. At the same time, furnishings and porous materials soak up moisture. In just a short amount of time, you could be dealing with warping, rotting, and even mold growth. That's why water damage remediation is so important - to address your current damage and prevent water from making your business unsafe.
At Atlas National Renovations, we know that dealing with water damage seems like a losing effort on your own. But when you trust our water damage restoration team, you don't have to lose hope. We provide comprehensive water remediation services for businesses of all size in Texas. From the first time we lay eyes on your water damage to the time we mitigate your problem, we're here for you. With a team of IICRC certified technicians and innovative restoration tools at our disposal, we specialize in making your business safe again.
Unlike some of our competitors, we are fiercely dedicated to our clients and aim to exceed their expectations with the highest quality water damage restoration services in Balch Springs, TX. When water damage hits your business, time is of the essence, which is why we get to work quickly and efficiently by assessing the damage to your property. Once we know the extent of your water damage, we'll consult with you about its severity and detail the next steps you should take so you can make an informed purchasing decision.
With decades of combined experience, there is no disaster cleanup project too complex or large for our team to handle. We assist small businesses, large commercial entities, and even multi-family apartment complexes. Our clients trust Atlas National Renovations to keep them dry, safe, and secure, and it would be our pleasure to help do the same for you.
In addition to our reliability and quality of work, our customers choose us over others because we offer:
Restoration Services
- Disaster Recovery Done Right: Trust Atlas for Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Balch Springs, TX.
- What is Water Damage Restoration in in Balch Springs, TX
- Common Signs of Commercial Water Damage in Balch Springs, TX
- Benefits of Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Balch Springs, TX
- Capital Expenditure Services
- Multi-Family Building Deficiencies and Restoration Services
- Discover the Atlas Difference
Service Areas
Fair, Accurate Work Estimates
We drain water from your property, not money from your bank account.
Clear, Constant Communication
When you work with Atlas, you're never left wondering what's happening with your commercial property.
Detailed Deadlines and Schedules
We're meticulous about sticking to schedules and meeting deadlines. You can always expect us to be on time and ready to work.
Experienced Project Managers
We assign seasoned, hardworking project managers for each of our projects. When you work with Atlas, you're working with the best.
Courteous and Knowledgeable Leadership
Excellence starts at the top, and our leadership team is the best in the business.
Atlas National Renovations Multi-Family and Commercial Renovation Experts
Free ConsultationWhat is Water Damage Restoration in in Balch Springs, TX
If you're currently dealing with serious water damage from a flood, broken pipe, or other cause, you're probably not sure what to do next. While it's understandable to feel panicky, it's important that you have the water removed as quickly as possible. When structural damage and health hazards are at play, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will get. The damage you see with your eyes is usually the tip of the iceberg - most water damage gets deep in your carpets and walls fast.
Atlas' water damage restoration services are focused on restoring and repairing the damage that water causes to commercial property. The primary purpose of our restoration services is to return your property to the condition it was in prior to the damage. Once your water damage has been mitigated, our team swoops in to begin the restoration process.
Depending on the scope and severity of your water damage, common water damage restoration services can include:
- Damaged Flooring and Wall Replacement
- Damaged Roof Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Humidity and Moisture Testing
While little can be done to predict natural disasters, there are common signs you can keep an eye on to prevent serious water damage from occurring.

Common Signs of Commercial Water Damage in Balch Springs, TX
There's no convenient time to be sidelined with water damage when it comes to your commercial property and business. Water damage to your commercial or industrial property is particularly devastating because every hour that your business is closed means lost revenue and productivity. You do not just have to deal with damage to the structural integrity of your building - you have to deal with the disruption of service to your loyal customers.
The good news? Atlas is here when you need us most, with a team of highly-trained technicians and unmatched water damage restoration expertise. We're ready to tackle your problem and solve it in an efficient, effective manner, so you can keep your doors open and your clients happy.
As a business owner, you know that one of the best ways to prevent a disaster is to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand. For that reason, keep an eye out for the following signs of water damage to your commercial property:


Look for Mold:
Mold can begin to grow just a day or two after water has taken hold of your business. If you see small signs of mold growth in an area where you suspect a leak, contact Atlas National Renovations ASAP to diagnose the problem.

Check Your Pipes:
If it's safe to do so, check out the piping inside and outside your commercial property. You want to keep a keen eye out for oxidation and corrosion around pipe fixtures. While you're at it, check your water heater for rust too. Corrosion or rust is a telltale sign of a water leak.

Check for Rings:
Dark spots on walls and ceilings usually indicate water damage. If you see rings around a stain, the damage is probably older. Several rings with different shades of color mean an intermittent issue, where the area has been soaked and dried several times.

Understand Your Property:
This is more of a suggestion than a sign. As the commercial property owner, you should know your building's pipe system. You should know what is old and new and what areas may be at risk for water damage. Keep an extra-close eye on areas that have a higher potential for leaks, especially during rainstorms.
Benefits of Commercial Water Damage Restoration
in Balch Springs, TX
When water invades your business or commercial property, you don't have much time to ponder your next course of action. While some business owners opt to try DIY water damage restoration, in most cases, they end up with more damage and expenses than before their leak. For the most effective, comprehensive solution to water damage, it's important that you hire a professional. At Atlas National Renovations, our primary focus is assisting business owners and commercial property managers with water damage restoration. We've been doing it for years, and we can help you too.
Here are just a few of the most common benefits we hear from past customers:

Safe Shopping Experience
If you own a business, the health and safety of your customers is of utmost importance. When water damage occurs inside your storefront, you could be dealing with more than property damage. Depending on the severity of your issue, contaminants and microorganisms may be present, putting your customers' health at risk. When you trust a professional water damage restoration company like Atlas to remediate your water leak, you're not just putting a stop to the leak. Our team will clean and sanitize your business, making it safe for customers to continue shopping at your store.
Quick Response Time
Water damage can create unbearable conditions in your commercial property. As such, your water restoration company must be quick to respond. Professional water damage companies like Atlas respond quickly and can clean up water, dry and disinfect the area, and make necessary repairs. Because we have an entire team of pros and industry-leading equipment, we can be on site in minutes.
Less Damage, Better Costs
Water damage can be very expensive. Sometimes, it only takes a couple of hours to result in heavy losses. How soon you call the experts could mean the difference between painting over a water stain and having to rebuild an entire area of damaged drywall. When you call Atlas immediately, clients often reduce the cost of water damage restoration and overall building damage.
Capital Expenditure Services
In addition to our disaster recovery services, we also offer large-scale upgrades and improvements for your capital expenditures. If you own or manage a large commercial building or a multi-family property, you need to make sure your capital expenditures maintain present operating levels and foster your company's future growth.
At Atlas National Renovations, class A, B, and C properties are our bread and butter. We take the time to understand our customer's needs and expectations from the start so we can deliver outstanding results. If you're looking for a top-tier contractor to do the job right the first time, look no further than Atlas. Our customers love our team because we make large, highly-complicated projects easy to finish.
If you're looking to invest in the future of your business, know that we are here to help with projects like these:
- High Volume Unit Upgrades and Improvements
- Amenity Upgrades and Conversions
- Common Area Improvements
- High Volume Carpet, LVT, and Tile Installation
- Courtyards and Hardscapes
- Package Room and Mail Center Upgrades and Additions
- Fitness Center Upgrades and Improvements
- Dog Parks and Pet Stations
- Signage Improvements and Additions
- LED Lighting and Electrical Upgrades
Fitness Center Upgrades
and Improvements
Free Consultation
Multi-Family Building Deficiencies and Restoration Services
New multi-family properties are entering the market every day. That means that older communities must be renovated to keep up with modern demands and tenant needs. Upgrades to amenities, aesthetics and even structural changes help assets stay up-to-date. At the same time, damages from leaks and storms must be addressed. If you're a multi-family property manager or owner, and need unmatched restoration capability, Atlas National Renovations is here to serve you.
We specialize in cutting-edge, high-quality ways to achieve your renovation goals - for your tenants but also for your corporate leaders and management team. After all, a successful multi-family renovation benefits all parties.
We currently work with the top multi-family groups across our state. Unlike some multi-family renovation companies in Texas, our team understands the inner workings of the multi-family environment. Our customers appreciate our accommodations to their residents, maintenance team, leasing team, corporate leaders, and beyond. We're proud to say we know multi-family, inside and out, and have the credentials to back up those claims.
When crafting a multi-family restoration plan, we always consider your tenant's demographics, your building's curb appeal, property age, and energy efficiency. Whether you need to have significant updates applied to an older property or need a water damage inspection for a brand-new building, we can help.
Here is a quick glance at some of the multi-family renovations that our team handles:
- Leak Detection and Water Intrusion Investigation
- Exterior Sealants and Waterproofing
- Large Interior and Exterior Paint Projects
- Stucco Remediation and Exterior Facade Re-Clads
- Full Property Exterior Repaints
- Concrete and Flatwork
- Corridor and Common Area Painting
- Roof Replacement
Before / After






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Discover the
Atlas Difference
Water damage restoration is a crucial, complex process that must be completed properly to save your business from serious damage. Choosing the right professional is equally important, especially when your customers' health is on the line. Whether you need large-scale commercial restoration or quick, effective water damage cleanup for your storefront business, know that we are only a phone call away. Contact our friendly team of experts to learn more about Atlas National Renovations and how we clean up your water damage mess better than the rest.

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Latest News in Balch Springs, TX
At Least 9 Homes Destroyed in Balch Springs Grass Fire, Possibly Another Dozen Damaged
Brittney Johnsonhttps://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/grassfire-burning-several-homes-in-balch-springs/3031145/
A large grass fire spread into a Balch Springs neighborhood Monday afternoon destroying at least nine homes and possibly damaging up to dozen others, officials say.By Tuesday morning, hot spots that burned overnight still remained in the area. Downed power lines also presented issues for residents in the neighborhood.The fire is believed to have started when workers struck debris while mowing a large field on the northwest corner of Interstate 20 and South Belt Line Road. The fire then spread into an adjacent neighborhood where...
A large grass fire spread into a Balch Springs neighborhood Monday afternoon destroying at least nine homes and possibly damaging up to dozen others, officials say.
By Tuesday morning, hot spots that burned overnight still remained in the area. Downed power lines also presented issues for residents in the neighborhood.
The fire is believed to have started when workers struck debris while mowing a large field on the northwest corner of Interstate 20 and South Belt Line Road. The fire then spread into an adjacent neighborhood where it first burned fences and then spread to homes along the 14700 block of Broadview Drive.
According to Balch Springs Fire Chief Eric Neil,
Fire officials responded to the grass fire at 3:17 p.m. on Monday, Balch Springs Fire Chief Eric Neil said in a press conference.
12:49
Balch Springs Officials Give Update on Homes Damaged by Grassfire
Fire officials responded to a grass fire at 3:17 p.m. on Monday. Balch Springs Fire Chief Eric Neil said by Tuesday morning, 26 homes were damaged, nine of which were deemed total losses.
Balch Springs Fire Marshal Sean Davis told NBC 5 the fire crew responded with their one and only brush truck. Davis said the fire department only has eight firefighters working during the day and has received assistance from a number of nearby departments.
The winds, which were between 15 and 20 miles per hour, contributed to the spread of the fire and allowed three acres of land to be burned on Monday.
Davis said on Monday there were 14 structures to have confirmed fire damage and that there may be as many as 20 with some kind of damage.
By Tuesday morning, Chief Neil said 26 homes were damaged, nine of which were deemed total losses.
Neil said in a press conference on Tuesday that the total value of the property lost in the fire was approximately $6,056,300.
Fire officials evacuated a string of homes along Broadview Drive and Bell Manor Court, not far from Mackey Elementary School, as a string of homes caught fire.
No injuries have been reported.
The American Red Cross is working with Balch Springs Emergency Management to make arrangements for the families displaced by the fire. The Balch Springs Recreation Center will be open and available for those impacted by the fire.
Chief Neil said donations are asked to go to Opal J. Smith Food Pantry.
Firefighters with a number of area departments are assisting Balch Springs in the fight including Dallas, Mesquite, Sunnyvale, Seagoville and Dallas County.
Check back and refresh this page for the latest information. NBC 5's Meredith Yeomans and Ken Kalthoff and Telemundo 39s Olivia Martinez contributed to this report.
Check back and refresh this article for the latest update.
26 homes damaged, including nine destroyed, in large grass fire in Balch Springs
Author: WFAA Staffhttps://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/balch-springs-grass-fire-spreading-to-homes/287-133500fc-e00d-402d-a0d3-f602404974c7
The fire started in a nearby field and spread quickly to homes at Interstate 20 and South Beltline Road.BALCH SPRINGS, Texas — A large grass fire in Balch Springs quickly spread and destroyed at least nine homes and damaged 17 more, according to city officials.The fire happened Monday afternoon near the intersection of Interstate 20 and South Beltline Road near the Spring Ridge neighborhood.An aerial view of the fire showed flames spr...
The fire started in a nearby field and spread quickly to homes at Interstate 20 and South Beltline Road.
BALCH SPRINGS, Texas — A large grass fire in Balch Springs quickly spread and destroyed at least nine homes and damaged 17 more, according to city officials.
The fire happened Monday afternoon near the intersection of Interstate 20 and South Beltline Road near the Spring Ridge neighborhood.
An aerial view of the fire showed flames spreading through backyards and homes catching fire. Officials say at least 26 homes were affected by the fire.
It's believed the fire started after crews cutting grass on the nearby field may have struck a metal object, causing sparks, according to the Balch Springs city manager.
"From what we understand, it was a spark from the mowers and it just spread to the houses," city manager Susan Cluse said.
Cluse said she could see the thick, black smoke from city hall.
"When I called the fire chief and said did you know there's a fire and he said, 'yes ma'am everyone is on their way," Cluse said.
The fire was contained by 7 p.m., but crews will remain in the area into Tuesday morning to monitor hot spots.
There were no injuries reported, but an unknown number of residents were displaced.
Affected residents can meet with the American Red Cross at the Balch Springs Recreation Center at 4372 Shepherd Lane. Those residents can also call 972-557-6090 for more information.
Also if you would like to help those affected, please direct all donations to the Opal J. Smith Food Pantry located at 2919 Balch Springs Road. The contact number is 972-895-3117. Officials say the greatest need in monetary donations.
Israel Medina, who lives in the neighborhood, told WFAA he smelled something burning in the afternoon and ran outside his home, only to see darkness due to the smoke.
"It was pretty bad. I had to wear a mask because [the smoke] was getting to me. I had to drink a lot of water, I was having a hard time breathing," Medina said.
"I just saw families just grabbing their things and running out their door and just leaving," he said about the affected residents.
Balch Springs grass fire spreads to 26 nearby homes
FOX 4 Staffhttps://www.fox4news.com/news/balch-springs-grass-fire-destroys-several-homes
BALCH SPRINGS, Texas - More than two dozen homes were either damaged or destroyed after a wildfire spread into a Balch Springs neighborhood.The city fire marshal says the Monday fire was accidental and was sparked by a crew mowing a nearby field near I-20 and Beltline Road.The city of Balch Springs only has about eight firefighters working on any given day. There just wasn't enough of them to stop the fire from spreading so fast.In all, 26 homes were damaged and nine were destroyed. It quickly grew out o...
BALCH SPRINGS, Texas - More than two dozen homes were either damaged or destroyed after a wildfire spread into a Balch Springs neighborhood.
The city fire marshal says the Monday fire was accidental and was sparked by a crew mowing a nearby field near I-20 and Beltline Road.
The city of Balch Springs only has about eight firefighters working on any given day. There just wasn't enough of them to stop the fire from spreading so fast.
In all, 26 homes were damaged and nine were destroyed. It quickly grew out of control.
People living in the neighborhood described a chaotic scene, watching what started as a grass fire grow, threatening their community and destroy multiple homes.
"I could barely breathe or see," recalled Ashley Anderson. "And I went in the house and got my kids. We ran out."
Multiple homes destroyed in Balch Springs grass fire
Multiple homes destroyed in Balch Springs grass fire
Balch Springs Fire Marshal Sean Davis talks to FOX 4 about the wildfires burning in Balch Springs
"I have been here for over 20 years and have never seen anything like this," said Balch Springs Fire Marshal Sean Davis.
The fire started just before 4 p.m. Crews got there quick to try and put it out, but gusty winds spread the fire north right into a neighborhood.
Rachel, who didn’t want to share her last name, says her home is a loss.
"I t was out. The fire in the backyard was completely done," she said. "And then it just started catching other house on fire."
But some of her neighbors’ homes were spared.
Multiple homes burn in Balch Springs grass fire
Multiple homes burn in Balch Springs grass fire
Fox 4 reporter Shaun Rabb reports from Balch Springs where 14+ homes burned in a fire
Sebastian Green rushed home from work to start spraying water on his lawn.
"The flames I am scared is going to jump over and cause a grass fire. So I am just trying to keep the ground moist," he said.
Sebastian’s wife, Jonelle Green, was home as the fire approached their neighborhood.
"First, we started smelling smoke and my son came out and it was so dark out here. The wind was blowing and blowing," she said.
Anderson says she first saw the fire from the road and then realized it was in her neighborhood.
"They said water the lawns to keep a barrier. I did that," she said.
With a heat advisory in place and temperatures above 100 degrees, firefighters had to take multiple breaks and work in shifts to stay hydrated while battling the flames.
The Red Cross is assisting families impacted by the fire at a nearby rec center.
Jordan Gomez’s family lost everything. The 17-year-old just barely got out of his home before it was engulfed in flames. He’s been living there with his parents and two siblings. But right now, their home of more than a decade is a total loss.
Balch Springs teen home alone during fire got out before it hit house
Balch Springs teen home alone during fire got out before it hit house
A teenager whose family lost everything says he just barely got out of his home before it went up in flames.
Jordan says at first he saw smoke in his backyard, but he didn’t think much of it. He thought someone was having a barbeque. But minutes later, he heard a knock on his door and was told to get out. He grabbed his family’s dog and left. He says he was moments away from taking a shower. Had he done that, he may not have heard the door. And judging by how fast the flames spread, he’s unsure if he would’ve made it out.
"And then I walked outside, and I’d seen hella smoke," he recalled. "I went back inside. Then minutes later, the cops came. They were like, ‘You got to go outside.’ And I was like alright."
A shelter has been set up at the city's recreation center for people who have been displaced. Red Cross has also been set up there. They will be there for a couple of days.
School year begins for victims of Balch Springs fire
Peyton Yagerhttps://www.fox4news.com/news/school-year-begins-for-victims-of-balch-springs-fire
BALCH SPRINGS, Texas - Two weeks ago, three dozen Balch Springs families watched their homes burn. Nine of them burned to the ground.Investigators say a mowing crew on July 25 accidentally started a grass fire that spread to their neighborhood.Dozens of houses burned, and there are now many students who are already behind on the first day of school.We know several families on this street have children who are starting this new school year with nothing.Mesquite ISD is trying to make sure the studen...
BALCH SPRINGS, Texas - Two weeks ago, three dozen Balch Springs families watched their homes burn. Nine of them burned to the ground.
Investigators say a mowing crew on July 25 accidentally started a grass fire that spread to their neighborhood.
Dozens of houses burned, and there are now many students who are already behind on the first day of school.
We know several families on this street have children who are starting this new school year with nothing.
Mesquite ISD is trying to make sure the students have some sense of normalcy in the middle of a disaster.
Each visit to his old home is harder than the last for Miguel Quinonez. A pile of debris is all that’s left of his Balch Springs home he bought 14 years ago. It’s the same year his daughter was born.
"It’s a lot of emotions, especially my daughter. She doesn’t want to go to school," he said.
Balch Springs fire victims get helping hand from local organizations
Quinonez’s daughter, Kayla, starts high school Tuesday morning. The 14-year-old will be a freshman at Horn High School in Mesquite, starting her high school years with nothing.
Quinonez admits his daughter is taking it the hardest.
"It’s really painful for her, especially since she was inside the house with my grandson. She had to run away so fast," he said.
On July 25, a grass fire off Interstate 20 in Balch Springs spread to a nearby subdivision. In all, 26 homes were damaged. At least nine are a total loss.
No one was injured, but dozens of families were displaced.
For the last two weeks, some families — like the Quinonez family — are living out of hotel rooms with the first day of school already here.
Jennifer Mobley is the director of student support for Mesquite ISD. She says there are 38 students enrolled in the district who have been affected.
"We are going to love on them first, and then we are going to teach them," she said. "When those kids walk through the door, I don’t want anyone to know they are any different."
School year begins for victims of Balch Springs fire
School year begins for victims of Balch Springs fire
Mesquite ISD is trying to make sure the students have some sense of normalcy in the middle of a disaster. Two weeks ago, three dozen Balch Springs families watched their homes burn. Nine of them burned to the ground.
Mobley watched the massive fire on television and knew students from her district would be affected.
Immediately, Mesquite set up a monetary donation link that’s already raised more than $10,000.
The district is also donating school uniforms from the family support center.
"But we have probably bought out our Walmart for the past three days because we have run out of clothes there," Mobley said.
Balch Springs grass fire causes $6M in damage to homes
Balch Springs house fires sparked by crews mowing grass
Balch Springs house fires sparked by crews mowing grass
Balch Springs Fire Marshal Sean Davis said the flames caused an estimated $6 million in property damage. A total of 26 homes were affected by either fire, smoke or water. Nine were destroyed.
Quinonez says his wife picked up their daughter’s uniform on Monday from Mesquite ISD.
"We couldn’t save anything. Clothes, shoes, nothing at all," he said.
Now, Quinonez is forced to search for an apartment while staying strong for his family.
"If we show that we are weak, it will be worse for them," he said.
Several families are staying in hotels. Others are moving into long-term Airbnbs. Some are staying with family.
Mesquite ISD says it’s worked with its transportation department and every child, no matter what city they are staying in, will be picked up for school and dropped as long as their family need.
The owner of the field where the Balch Springs fire started owns five similar properties
Dallas Newshttps://www.dallasnews.com/news/public-safety/2022/08/15/the-owner-of-the-field-where-the-balch-springs-fire-started-owns-five-similar-properties/
Twenty-seven homes were damaged and nine of them totally destroyed on July 25 when a large grass fire swept through Spring Ridge, a neighborhood in Balch Springs.The 67-acre vacant lot where the grass fire started is owned by Sikka Investments LLC. The group owns five similar vacant lots across Dallas County, all but one directly bordering gas stations on property owned or previously owned by the company. Some of the fields are right next to homes, including the Balch Springs property, and some of the fields last week had patches of t...
Twenty-seven homes were damaged and nine of them totally destroyed on July 25 when a large grass fire swept through Spring Ridge, a neighborhood in Balch Springs.
The 67-acre vacant lot where the grass fire started is owned by Sikka Investments LLC. The group owns five similar vacant lots across Dallas County, all but one directly bordering gas stations on property owned or previously owned by the company. Some of the fields are right next to homes, including the Balch Springs property, and some of the fields last week had patches of tall grass. The city of Irving recently cited a Sikka property for tall grass and weeds.
Fire marshal Sean Davis said the grass on the Sikka property in Balch Springs had grown beyond city code standards, to the point of creating “a heavy amount of fuel.”
“And once ignited, there’s just a whole lot of material to burn at that point,” he said.
As months without rain led to drought, grassy fields have become tinder for wildfires across the area. Fire officials say poor maintenance of the Sikka field led to a fire that destroyed a neighborhood.
Sikka Investments, with corporate addresses in Plano and Dallas, acquired the land in Balch Springs on the corner of Belt Line Road and Interstate 20 in May 2014, according to Dallas County appraisal records. The group sold part of the property in September, the current location of a Fox Fuels gas station, to Mountain Express Oil Company, a gas station real estate and distribution company based in Georgia.
Sikka Investments did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Mountain Express Oil confirmed in a written statement it owns the Fox Fuels location on Belt Line, not the vacant lot, and has since contributed over $5,000 to the City of Balch Springs Spring Ridge Fire Recovery Fund.
Balch Springs issued a citation to the owners of the vacant field to appear in court following two requests to cut the grass, which had grown past code standards, authorities said at the time of the blaze. Residents have said they complained to the city multiple times about the overgrowth and height of the grass.
The owners hired contractors to mow the grass after the citation, authorities said. Fire marshal Davis said the grass fire started when a mower blade struck a hard object, creating a spark that ignited the dry field. He said in the past, workers had “for months or maybe years” piled dead grass against a fence on the property.
Davis said he could not provide additional information on the contractors who were mowing the field or the property’s owners, citing the department’s ongoing investigation.
Similar properties
Sikka Investments owns nine properties throughout the area, according to county records: six in Dallas, two in Irving, and one in Balch Springs, the site of the July 25 fire. Six of the properties are vacant lots ranging from 0.6 to 67 acres, all at the corners of major roads and all but one adjacent to gas stations.
Two properties border residential neighborhoods, similar to the way the Balch Springs property directly borders the Spring Ridge subdivision.
At the Sikka property in southeast Dallas on St. Augustine Drive, a gas station is under construction. Directly behind the station is a 19-acre plot of land owned by Sikka Investments, similar to the layout of the Balch Springs vacant lot.
Rows of subdivision houses face the southeast Dallas field from Brierwood Lane and Whistler Drive. As of last week, the vacant lot had visible patches of tall vegetation and was marked off by construction fences.
The 19-acre lot is five miles west on I-20 from the site of the original fire.
A Fox Fuels gas station on property owned by Sikka Investments is at the corner of Northgate Drive and Texas 161 Frontage Road, in Irving. A much smaller 0.6-acre plot of land also owned by Sikka Investments sits between the station and the intersection of these roads. Documents show the Irving code enforcement department issued a code violation notice against Sikka in early August for “grass/weeds in excess of 10 inches.”
Shane Diller, code enforcement director of Irving, said a reinspection conducted Tuesday found the property “not in-compliance for violations of trash/debris and high grass & weeds.”
“The city is in the process now of preparing to have the grass mowed by a city contractor,” he said in a written statement.
The group owns three other vacant lots directly next to Fox Fuels gas stations in Buckner Terrace on Buckner Road, in southern Dallas on Marvin D. Love Freeway, and the site in Balch Springs. Sikka Investments sold the real estate of the three Fox Fuels gas stations to Mountain Express Oil in 2021.
Directly adjacent to the Buckner Terrace station is a three-acre vacant lot owned by Sikka Investments, where the grass was cut short as of last week. A row of houses borders the lot to the north.
A five-acre vacant lot owned by Sikka Investments wraps around the Fox Fuels station in southern Dallas. Visibly tall and dry vegetation and grass could be seen on the vacant lot along with long-dead, dry palm trees. Power lines are behind the field on land owned by Oncor.
Additionally, Sikka owns a one-acre vacant lot in Red Bird at the northwest corner of South Polk Street and Interstate 20 next to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Academy. The lot is across Polk street from an Exxon location that was never owned by Sikka or Mountain Express. The lot’s grass was cut short as of last week.
The group’s latest listed property is a CVS location Sikka Investments bought from the pharmacy giant in March.
Balch Springs City Manager Susan Cluse said the city is not pursuing legal action against Sikka, and the fire is still under investigation. She said at the moment, many of the residents, some homeowners, some renters, are staying in area hotels with help from the city and charitable organizations.
Most people are still in the process of receiving information from their insurance companies.
“We’re trying to figure out ways to help them get them back on their feet,” she said.
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