Flames engulf Sugar Land cheerleading gym

SUGAR LAND, TX (KTRK) -- Fort Bend County fire investigators are trying to determine what started a massive fire at a popular cheerleading and dance gym Thursday afternoon.

The fire started around 2:30 Thursday afternoon at Victory Sports Cheer and Dance on Sartartia Road in Sugar Land. Several departments responded, including Sugar Land and Stafford fire departments.

For Danielle Bily, this gym was a second childhood home, filled with great memories as a young cheerleader.

"It was all about teamwork and team building," Bily said. "I created lifelong friends here from all different schools and enjoying those moments together, really."

Seeing the gym destroyed by fire is difficult for her.

"It's sad for the kids who are currently here. You know, it's something you look forward to every week," Bily said.

Amazingly, no children were inside the gym when the fire started and co-owner Vicki Dill said she's grateful no one was hurt.

"It's so fortunate because we've had camps all summer long and typically there's kids in the building all day," Dill said. "So it was, at least in that perspective, a blessing."

Investigators have not yet determined what started the fire, but most of the smoke seemed to be coming from the back part of the building. Witnesses said they saw firefighters punching holes in the back wall of the building near the air conditioners.

Dill does not know what the future holds for Victory Sports. Bily is asking for the community's support.

"Don't give up on Vipers, don't give up on Victory Sports," Bily said. "You fall down, you get back up. And it will be a blessing in disguise, for sure."