Crews Battle Fire At Old Oklahoma City Jail In NW OKC

The Oklahoma City Fire Department responded to a high-rise alarm fire at the old Oklahoma City jail Monday.

 Crews arrived on scene at Robert S. Kerr Ave. and N. Shartel just before 9 p.m after receiving reports of visible black smoke coming from the building.

Officials say the fire was on the sixth floor of the building, and as a result was treated as a 5-alarm fire which typically calls for about 70 to 80 firefighters. 

Several crews were on the scene. 

"We are blessed in OKC to have the support that we have from citizens that allow us to have that staffing and resources, that allows us to do what we did tonight and that's put a good stop on a fire that could have been much worse," said OCFD Battalion Chief Benny Fulkerson. 

The building was secured which created a challenge for the firefighters as they worked to get a handle of the smoke. The smoke was contained to one room and reached a temperature of 500 degrees at one point, according to officials. The building has been vacant since the late 90's and is said to be in poor condition.

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Firefighters estimate the damage at $5,000 for the structure and $5,000 for contents. The cause of the fire is classified as "undetermined."