INVESTIGATORS will return to Horsham’s University Early Learning Centre site on Monday to determine the cause of a blaze that gutted the building.

Crews were on scene until late Sunday afternoon.

Federation University Wimmera campuses head Geoff Lord described the loss of the university-owned centre as a sad day for the city.

OTHER NEWS: Fire guts Jung home

Mr Lord said about 30 children attended the centre from Monday to Friday.

He said the university would work with Wimmera Uniting Care, which ran the centre, to make alternative arrangements for families.

‘’I’m pleased to note that none of the residents in the area have been affected, other than by smoke,’’ he said.

EARLIER

HORSHAM Fire Brigade and police crews are on the scene of a fire at a childcare centre.

The University Early Learning Centre, next to Federation University in Baillie Street, Horsham, has been gutted by the fire.

The blaze started before 6am on Sunday.

It seems unlikely to affect neighbouring properties at this time.

The Country Fire Authority has issued an advice message for Horsham.

The authority said emergency services were attending to potentially hazardous fumes from the building fire and advised people to avoid the area.

“There is no threat to the community, but people are advised to avoid the area,’’ the advice message said.

Horsham Fire Brigade captain John St Clair said the building would be a total loss.

‘’The building collapsed before we arrived,’’ he said.

“We have one truck at the back of the property protecting neighbouring houses, they are safe at this stage.

‘’Police are door knocking residents to warn them to keep out of the smoke.’’

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Wimmera Uniting Care runs the centre.

The organisation’s acting chief executive Leeanne Thomson said staff were shocked after hearing the news.

“The University Early Learning Centre was home to both childcare and after school care services,” she said.

Ms Thomson said staff would contact parents and centre users individually on Sunday.

“At this stage we are doing everything we can to make sure this doesn’t impact our families too much,” she said.

“We are hoping to have other arrangements in place later this week.”

Ms Thomson said people could visit the Wimmera Uniting Care Facebook page for updates as they became available.