Historic Buildings, Cars Destroyed By Large Fire In Downtown Sayre

A large fire that started in a mechanic shop along W. Main Street in downtown Sayre destroyed four buildings, some antique cars and historic signs.

Tuesday, January 18th 2011, 8:48 pm

By: News 9


News9.com

SAYRE, Oklahoma – A large fire that started in a mechanic shop along W. Main Street in downtown Sayre destroyed four buildings, some antique cars and historic signs.

Beckham County Emergency Manager Lonnie Risenhoover said the fire started in the 200 block of W. Main Street inside a mechanic shop at about 7:15 p.m.

Sayre Fire Chief Robert Ahrens said he believes the fire was sparked when drop light broke inside a fuel tank which ignited the fuel inside the shop. The fire burned down four buildings which were all connected by one roof.

Chief Ahrens said the shop contained classic cars along with GM memorabilia and other historic signs from a GM dealership that used to be downtown. Most of the items and cars were destroyed by the fire. Fire crews checked the building to see if any of the memorabilia was salvageable.

Six area fire departments helped fight the fire, which took over two and a half hours to put out including hot spots.

A male in his early 20's, who worked at the mechanic shop, was severely. He was flown to a hospital in Oklahoma City and is listed in serious condition. His name was not released. Chief Ahrens said his thoughts go out to the man's family who are local and own the auto repair shop.

A few firefighters were also treated for smoke inhalation.

Sayre is about 130 miles west of Oklahoma City, just southwest of Elk City.

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