This video, taken yesterday by this Leander resident, shows the fire breaking out.
Update at 6:24 p.m.
Leander police are now investigating this fire as an arson. They believe teenagers may be responsible for it. From the police press release:
The suspects are all described as Caucasian. One female is described as 15 to 16 years of age wearing a pink shirt and blue jeans. Her hair is described as dark black (possibly dyed). The other female is described as 15 to 16 years of age wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. Her hair is dirty blonde in color. The males are both described as 15 to 16 years of age. Both males have dark, shaggy hair. Both were observed wearing blue jeans. One was observed with a red shirt, while the other wore a green with black stripe shirt.
Earlier: A fire in Leander that destroyed eleven homes and damaged eight is now 75 percent contained, according to Williamson County officials. The fire broke out around 5 p.m. yesterday and burned 300 acres.
All the damaged homes were in the Mason Creek North and High Chaparral subdivisions. The homes were on Moon Glow Drive, Sorrel Court, Winecup Court, and Verbana Court.
More than 500 people are still evacuated from the area. The Leander Fire Department says it will release a plan to allow residents back in this evening to survey the damage. The toll of destruction is currently pegged at $1.4 million.
In the meantime, evacuees are encouraged to go to Rouse High School to receive the latest information.
