Flames engulfed a South Austin home early Sunday as Austin firefighters battled the blaze that tore through the residence on Cherry Meadow Drive. According to KVUE, the Austin Fire Department received the call around 1 a.m., rushing to the scene near the intersection of West William Cannon Drive and Menchaca Road.

The fire crews, upon arrival, worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire, as they made several passes through the smoldering structure making sure that no person was left unchecked inside though it was not made clear if they found anyone or if there were injuries the officials curtailed traffic urging drivers to steer clear of the troubled locale.

The gravity of the situation was underlined by an Austin Fire Department social media post, which revealed that firefighters were dealing with a structure fire on the 7100 block of Cherry Meadow Dr. Their efforts were split between subduing the flames and executing multiple searches within the residence in a search that seemed as thorough as it was desperate.

Information was scarce as the first responders did their job but whether the property was vacant or occupied at the time of the incident remains unconfirmed as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the Austin Fire Department has yet to release further details but what is certain is that the heart of this community was shaken as they watched the fierce glow against the night sky no matter the damage, it stands as a stark reminder of the precariousness of the tranquility we so often take for granted.