OU Fraternity House Heavily Damaged By Overnight Fire, Norman Firefighters Say

A large fire in Norman leaves many OU students stunned as the flames destroyed part of a fraternity house overnight.

Members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity said it happened so quickly. 

Fire crews were able to contain the flames to this front part, and the good news, no one was hurt.

Related: Firefighters Battle Large Fire At OU Fraternity House

Members of the fraternity said they got the news around 2 a.m. Friday when one of their members texted their group chat, saying the house was in flames. 

A couple of people went to the scene as the front side of the building was engulfed.

“We knew everybody was out, there was nobody inside,” said James Thompson, a member of the fraternity. “We had fire alarm problems in the past.”

According to the fraternity, no students were at the home. Only the house mom’s husband was inside and he was able to get out safely. 

Fire officials said by the time they got to the scene, there were heavy smoke and flames.

“It was heavily involved, fortunately there’s some fire walls that’s on the north and south side and we were able to put crews there and hold it at the fire wall,” said Mike Wilson with the Norman Fire Department. “So basically, the east side of the building sustained pretty heavy damage.”

A handful of student belongings were left inside, including one member who planned to move his stuff out next week.

“He planned on moving out on Monday, right down the road, and now, he can’t do that, so I feel bad for him,” said Jaylen Johnson, a member of the fraternity.

According to the fraternity president, it’s uncertain what the plan is for current and future members.

“I was actually going to live here for my senior year next year so it would have been my third year living in the house,” said Thompson. “This house has had some of the best memories for me.”

Crews are still investigating the cause of the fire.