HHCS

It's hard to believe that this is our school! Cort has been talking about all of his preschool memories. He has such a big heart! We are praying for the students, teachers and leadership of Heritage.

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Christian school destroyed in fire

Nov8, 2008 9:31 PM EST

Cat Andersen/Eyewitness News

Delawre County - A fast-moving fire burned down a pre-school Saturday morning in Delaware County. It happened at the Heritage Hall Christian School between Yorktown and Muncie. No one was hurt, but they're still in shock at what was lost.

"It's unbelievable to see what's happened to our school," said Kerri Kimbrough, a student at the school.

Yorktown fire crews arrived to wall-to-wall flames inside one wing of the Heritage Hall Christian School.

"When we first got here, smoke was coming out of all sides of the building. It was just solid flames inside," said Yorktown Fire Chief David Coffin.

"This was a preschool building," said Assistant Pastor Rory Bond of Grace Baptist Church.

Toys, books and school projects were among many items that burned to ashes.

"It's devastating to realize it's gone and the high school also has so much smoke damage," said
Kimbrough.

But firefighters say it could have been much worse. The adjacent high school and fine arts center might be gone if it weren't for a school trip to Chicago returning right around the time the fire started.

"It was a late trip. They were coming back at two or three in the morning and their parents were here waiting for them. They smelled the smoke," said Pastor Bond.

"We were notified very quickly, which is odd that time of night. Usually it would have to get much worse for that to happen" said Chief Coffin.

Firefighters say the place is completely gutted. Church leaders say they have insurance on the building but for those who went to school here everyday, there were more than just school supplies in that building.

"A lot of the kids you see out here have gone to pre-school here and on up through Heritage Hall," said Pastor Bond.

"It's devastating realizing it's gone and there's nothing you can do about it. I mean it brings back so many memories of different playtime's or the friends that you've made," Kimbrough explained.

Investigators say because the damage is so extensive it could be Monday before they know what caused the fire.