Arson suspected in Leander fire

LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) - The fire that destroyed about a dozen homes in Leander on Monday was intentionally set, and officials released the descriptions of several suspects.

One of the female suspects was described as being about 15- to 16 years old, who was wearing a pink shirt and blue jeans. She had black hair that might have been dyed.

A second girl, also about 15- to 16, was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans. Her hair was described as dirty blonde.

Two teen-age boys with dark, shaggy hair and wearing blue jeans were also considered suspects. One was wearing a red shirt; the other wore a green with a black striped shirt.

Meanwhile, firefighters were still battling the Leander fire Tuesday afternoon, and it was 75 percent contained by mid-afternoon, according to officials. The burn started Monday night and forced hundreds of people to evacuate.

The fire burned between U.S. Highway 183 and Bagdad Road. Firefighters there battled a flare-up around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Called the "Moonglow Fire," the blaze near the Magnolia Creek subdivision just off of Crystal Falls Parkway left people praying for the best. Streets affected are Moonglow, Sorrel, Winecup and Verbena.

Houses on other streets have no reported damage, according to Williamson County officials.

Reports indicate at least 300 acres had burned and that 11 homes have been destroyed with another eight homes damaged. Some attics were still smoldering Tuesday afternoon and those homes were being evacuated.

Officials had expected to allow residents to return to their houses late Tuesday night, but flareups throughout the day caused them to reconsider. There was no word late in the day when re-entry might be allowed.

Nearly 500 people had to evacuate their homes. Estimated property damage is at  $1.4 million, officials said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, people are waiting to see when they'll be able to return to their homes, and a shelter was set up at Rouse High School , 1501 CR 271.

Law enforcement has been increased three-fold in and around the fire area, officials said.

Officials said that anyone with information about may have started the fire should contact the Leander Police Department at 512-528-2800 or Williamson County Crime Stoppers at 1800-253-7867. The Texas Forest Service can e contacted at 800-364-3470.

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction any individuals can be up to $2,000.

Arson is also suspected in a fire that started Tuesday afternoon in North Austin.