Choctaw Mayor Relives Devastating Wildfire

It was four months ago today, a wildfire swept through the Choctaw community. Dozens of families lost their homes, including Choctaw's Mayor Randy Ross.

Monday, July 11th 2011, 11:52 am

By: News 9


Jennifer Pierce, News 9

CHOCTAW, Oklahoma -- It was four months ago today, a wildfire swept through the Choctaw community. Dozens of families lost their homes, including Choctaw's Mayor Randy Ross.

Ross lost everything in the fire but says, "I didn't let the grass grow under my feet."

He immediately started making plans to rebuild his home, the process has been full of ups and downs for him, but every brick gets Ross closer to move in day.

Builders are putting on the final touches, Ross says today they are bricking, and it looks great.

Everyday Ross sees something that looks more like a home. Plans are being made for every room.

"My granddaughter has already figured out that's her room, she's only 2," Ross said.

Ross and his wife have been living in a rental home after the March 11 wildfire destroyed their home. He says the last four months have been an adjustment. They lost almost everything.

"She saved her cancer medicine, our dog, and one computer...that's all the time she had,"Ross said.

But he says they have what's important, their lives. Even though Ross has had to rebuild from the ground up, he says the future looks bright.

"We're anxious to get in and get life back to normal," Ross said.

He says he can't believe it has only taken four months to build his home, and they can move in July 25.

This isn't the first time their community has had to deal with a wildfire. A massive blaze two years ago destroyed 63 Choctaw homes.

03/11/2011 Related Story: Choctaw Mayor's Home Among Those Destroyed In Wildfire.

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