Fire guts Montessori school building

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Oak Hill Fire Department responded to a large blaze early Friday morning that left a Cedars Montessori School building a total loss.

The call came in at 4:49 a.m. about the fire inside one of the school's elementary buildings at 9704 Circle Drive, which crews said had no one inside at the time.

Trucks from the Austin Fire Department and Lake Travis Fire Rescue were also on hand at the blaze on Circle Drive and Rockwood Circle. That's near the "Y" at Oak Hill.

Crews were initially concerned because of weather conditions and embers flying around, but they said the high humidity out.

The flames from the elementary school building were so intense that they spread to the roof of the office and library in front, though crews managed to contain the blaze. Still, the library and office have smoke and water damage.

"If the library's not wet, that would be wonderful," said Montessori school owner Jill Young, who mentioned their library had a new office.

Young said although the office wasn't completely burned, it was sprayed with water. Still, she said fire crews were very helpful in getting out some of the things that were inside -- managing to save most of the books.

"All those firemen are hoisting those custom-made bookshelves," said Young. "Those firemen took the books out, which is really good."

The school has decided to cancel classes for the day, and all parents have been notified via email or telephone.

Young said the school that sits on 17 acres has been around for 37 years and has about 100 - 170 students enrolled.

The campus includes a primary school for children ages 3 through 5, three classes of about 30 students each. In addition, there are a couple of elementary school buildings for first grade through sixth grade.

Meanwhile, the Oak Hill Fire Department and Travis County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.

Fire crews have been busy fighting another blaze in South Austin that broke out early Friday morning at 6901 Cherrydale Drive. That's near William Cannon Drive and Manchaca Road.