Fire crews fight to save Moore County school

Around 11 p.m., firefighters arrived at the Stars Charter School located on Southern Dunes Drive off of U.S. Highway 1 between Vass and Southern Pines.

Three outdoor storage buildings were on fire, and crews had to work quickly to keep the flames from spreading to the main school building.

Witnesses told WRAL News that flames from the three burning buildings were as tall as the roof line of the school and were only feet from the building.

Officials said heat from the fire and water broke four of the main building’s windows, allowing smoke to enter the school.

At 1 a.m., crews were still at the scene working to clear the smoke and assess damage. School records, chairs and furniture were burned in the fire.

The cause of the fire has not been released, but the Moore County fire marshall is investigating. Officials say there is no electricity in the buildings that would have started a fire.

The school will be closed Wednesday, Thursday and possibly Friday, officials said.