Neighbors Concerned Over Lack Of Fire Hydrants After OKC House Fire

Now that only smoke remains at the scene, several neighbors to the fire are concerned about a lack of fire hydrants in the rural neighborhood.

Tuesday, January 21st 2014, 5:15 pm

By: News 9


A massive fire destroyed a half million dollar home in southwest Oklahoma City.

The fire roared for three hours as Oklahoma City Firefighters and Mustang Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze in the 12000 block of S.W. 58th on Monday.

Now that only smoke remains at the scene, several neighbors to the fire are concerned about a lack of fire hydrants in the rural neighborhood.

1/21/2014 Related Story: Firefighters Use Pond To Help Battle House Fire Near Mustang

"It was so massive that you feel the heat coming off of it," Barbara Heard said.

For 12 years, Barbara Heard has lived across from the home that is now a pile of ash and rubble. She's known for a long time her neighborhood does not have fire hydrants, but witnessing a fire has left her uneasy with the situation.

"We need hydrants," Heard proclaimed.

According to the Oklahoma City Fire Department, the closest fire hydrant is about a mile away from the home that burned on Monday night.

District Chief Greg Lindsay explained it not uncommon in rural areas.

"I think, just in this part of the city alone, there's about 40 sq miles that don't have some sort of water supply available," Lindsay said.

Firefighters are prepared in any event. Chief Lindsay said although the water mains do not stretch out to the neighborhoods in rural parts of the city, all firefighters are aware of those neighborhoods without hydrants.

He explained a plan is in place to bring water in.

"When we get a call for a fire in those areas, they'll dispatch two tank trucks that carry about 2,00 gallons a piece," Lindsay said.

If that's not enough, firefighter look for nearby ponds and pools. Just as crews did in this event.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire without anyone getting hurt, although, the homeowners lost their family pet in the fire.

For residents like Barbara Heard, who witnessed the fire that caused more than $900,000, not having a fire hydrant nearby is still a bit unnerving.

"One of the most devastating things that's happened to me in my life," Heard said.

Investigators are working to determine what started the fire.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

January 21st, 2014

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

November 30th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 19th, 2024

March 19th, 2024

March 19th, 2024

March 19th, 2024