A fire in east Austin destroys an abandoned building and does significant damage to the Mt. Carmel Masonic Temple next door.  That temple also houses the offices for the NAACP. 

The fire started in an abandoned building on E. 12^th near Salina Street around 8:30 Wednesday night before spreading to the temple. 

The abandoned building was completely destroyed while the temple suffered fire damage to the second floor as well as smoke and water damage throughout the building. 

A cause has yet to be determined.  The fire is still under investigation.

The NAACP offices are housed on Mount Carmel’s first floor.  It’s director, Nelson Linder, told KVUE News Wednesday night that he had raised concerns about the abandoned building to authorities, saying it was a haven for prostitution and drug use.

Austin Energy turned off power in the neighborhood so that fire crews could fight the fire without having the low-lying power lines getting in the way.