EMSA Paramedics Become Fire Alarm, Rescue 10

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Survivors of a fire at the Potomac House apartments in Oklahoma City said they are thankful for a pair of EMSA paramedics after the medics became living fire alarms on Wednesday.

Greg Ford had just arrived on a standby post near S.W 59th Street and May Avenue when he and his partner smelled smoke. They saw the apartments on fire and rushed to the scene.

"There were no alarms going off in any of those other buildings. No one knew there was a fire going on. We started banging on doors," Ford said.

One of those doors belonged to resident Randy Marks who said he and his sister were just watching TV at the time.

"If it wasn't for people coming in beating on doors telling people there was a fire we never would've known anything about it. The house probably would've filled with smoke and we would've known something then, but it might've been to late," Marks said.

Marks said as soon as he got out of the apartment, the fire reached bigger heights.

"It was real quick," Marks added.

His apartment and belongings are ruined with water damage and soot, but he said he's glad to be alive.

"I felt like crying if it would've helped. I'd even cry now if it would help, but it won't," Marks said.

In all, 10 people were in the apartment building affected by the fire. They all got out thanks to the alert paramedics.

"It's nice to know you've made a difference. We don't want anyone to be hurt. That's what our job is, to take care of people. It's kind of nice to be there before there's actually a problem," Ford said.

Apartment managers said none of those affected by the fire had renters insurance. Oklahoma City Fire investigators said the fire was started by a juvenile.