Tulsa Apartment Fire Destroys Building, Displaces More Than 100 Residents

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Tulsa Fire Department remains on the scene of a south Tulsa apartment complex fire that destroyed 24 units and displaced more than a 100 residents.

The fire was at the Windsail Apartments near 71st Street South and U.S. Highway 169.  

The Red Cross says over 100 residents were impacted by the fire.  Red Cross spokesperson Donita Quesnel says they are assisting residents with lodging, food, infant supplies and clothing.

"All my belongings and pictures of my family is in there. My dad died when I was little, I can't get those back," said resident Laci Enright.

High winds made the fire more difficult to get under control.  News On 6 Meteorologist Dick Faurot says gusts were hitting 30 mph.

One building at the Windsail apartment complex was destroyed by fire, 24 units in all. Only one was unoccupied.

Brooke Singer was home when it started.

"I heard a bunch of people yelling and screaming and banging on the doors," Singer said.

Windsail Apartment Complex Fire

It's that quick reaction, firefighters say, that may have saved lives.

They say apartment staff and the residents got everyone out and called 911 before the fire could spread.

"The 30 mile an hour winds, we were afraid it was going to go ahead and catch the next two on fire before we could get here," said Tulsa Fire Captain Stan May.

EMSA transported a Tulsa firefighter to a Tulsa hospital after a ceiling fell around him. He has since been released.

Fire crews say the fire started on the second floor of the middle building that was destroyed.

"Just staring at it now and I don't have my mind wrapped around it," said resident John Belt.

Tulsa firefighters continues to put out hot spots and monitor the situation.  

Quesnel says the American Red Cross sent several teams to the complex to assist residents.  

"Response teams will assist residents and provide canteen services for emergency responders," Quesnel said.

The Red Cross will open a shelter for residents displaced by the fire. The shelter will open by 5:30 p.m. at Asbury Church, 68th and Mingo.

There is no indication yet what started the fire.