Sapulpa business gutted by fire

FROM KOTV

SAPULPA, Okla. -- Firefighters started the New Year by battling a blaze at a longtime Sapulpa business. When firefighters arrived just after 9 a.m. Tuesday, smoke was billowing from Leroy's Automotive on West Taft.

"Whenever we arrived it was fully involved in that building," said Sapulpa Fire Department Captain Lonnie Vandolah.

"There were a few mild explosions when we first pulled up. We did pull some propane bottles out of there and a few cans of oil. But they were able to knock it down pretty quickly."

Firefighters put out the fire quickly, but the business is a total loss.

Bob Cooper has been friends with the owner of the shop, Leroy Humphrey, for 25 years.

"Leroy has so many friends," Cooper said. "They depend on Leroy you know to take care of their automobile needs. It's going to be a great loss."

Cooper said the loss was harder because of its timing. It is 34 years to the day that Humphrey opened at the location.

"In 15 minutes it is wiped out. It's pretty sad," Cooper said. "It's always a loss when you lose a business in a community such as Sapulpa."

Firefighters say the business isn't insured. Several cars also burned inside the building. Investigators will now try to pinpoint a cause.

"There's a wood stove also in there, so that's going to be something we'll look at," Captain Vandolah said.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to a wheel alignment shop next door.