Federal and local fire investigators spent Monday breaking down debris where the mostly completed Islamic Center of Lake Travis once stood.
Travis County Fire Marshal Tony Galloway said the process is slowing down the investigation. At one point, heavy equipment was brought in to remove unstable construction scaffolding which were potentially dangerous for investigators.
Islamic Center of Lake Travis members were excited about the center's expected opening in April. A fire around 3:30 a.m. Saturday at 4701 Doss Road near Hudson Bend Road and Ranch Road 620 has delayed the opening by at least a year, according to members.
"Seeing this is very devastating for us," said Shakeel Rashed.
Devastating because the small Muslim community in West Travis County came up with the idea of the center years ago after helping their neighbors affected by the Steiner Ranch wildfire in 2011.
"Our kids got together and tried to raise money for the fire victims," said Kay Zazy, another member.
Rashed said they have had one case of vandalism at the construction site but chose to remain optimistic about the cause of the fire.
"It's sad to see that. I'm hoping there's nothing nefarious, malicious people behind this," said Rashed.
Galloway said there is no evidence that this fire was intentionally set, but the investigation isn't over yet. They are reviewing images from a camera that was on a pole just outside the construction site.
Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also involved which is standard procedure when there's a fire at a place of worship.
Rashed and Zazy said no matter what, they are hopeful.
They point to the more than $22,000 already raised since Saturday. But they need $400,000 to rebuild and they're hoping it doesn't take as long as it did the first time. GO HERE for more information and to donate.
