Victim Recounts Harrowing Escape From OKC Apartment Fire

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of a three-alarm fire Wednesday night.

Shortly after 10 p.m., a Brookwood Village apartment complex was quickly engulfed in flames, leaving 16 families without homes. Out of desperation, several people trapped on the second floor of the building were forced to jump from windows and balconies to safety.

"I just jumped out the window and fell to the ground because I would rather be alive, and my kids be alive, than to be worrying about anything else," said Michalle Smith.

There was no time to think, Smith and her sons could only react. Thick black smoke began filling her apartment Wednesday night.

Smith and her two sons tried to escape through the front doorm but were met with flames leaving them only one way out.

"We ran down the hallway to their back bedroom…and my older son, Stephen, jumped out the window. So I handed down our dog. My other son, Mason, got out and I jumped out the window," she said.

Neighbors also recalled the panic created by the three-alarm fire.

"It just went straight up. The fire hit the trees right behind and when that caught up it just got everybody's attention," said Brookwood Village resident, John Hodges.

9/24/2015 Related Story: Authorities Investigate Fire At SW OKC Apartment Complex

The intensity of the flames melted headlights on cars parked nearby and siding on the surrounding apartments. Some families lost nearly everything, while others were able to save things that meant the most.

"It could have been a lot worse. My apartment got pretty much water damage and smoke damage," said Tracy Leeson.

Pictures, baby books and other memories have been reduced to ash for Smith and her family, but they walked away with something much more valuable

"I wouldn't be able to live without my kids," said Smith.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, but investigators believe it started outside under a stairwell. Damage estimates have been set at $500,000.