OKC Fire: Condo Fire Caused By Contractor Working On Building

Fire investigators released the cause of massive fire at the Nantucket Condos in northwest Oklahoma City. 

Firefighters said the close buildings and intense heat made it difficult to put out.

Eleven units were destroyed Wednesday in a fire being ruled as an accident. Officials said the fire was started by a contractor who was working on the building.

2/17/2016 Related Story: Large Fire Breaks Out At NW OKC Apartment Complex

“We initially went inside to try to extinguish the fire, but we were pushed out pretty quickly due to the intensity,” Oklahoma City fire District Chief Benny Fulkerson said.

And all Nantucket residents could do is watch as fire crews worked to save their homes.

“I was fixing to lay down for a little nap and I hear 'bam, bam, bam' on my front door and they are saying, 'fire, fire get out.' I got my shirt on, my jeans on, my shoes on and out there I went,” said Mark Porter, a resident.

Those knocks at the door came from a firefighter. Porter lived in the second building that eventually caught fire. As he stood with other neighbors watching his home go up in flames, he was doubtful his condo would make it.

The extent of the damage to the two building is deceiving looking at them from the front, but the back side of the building shows the true loss. The loss is estimated to totaling more than a $1 million.

“I couldn't go in and search for her because the building was on fire,” said Tyler Sanbar. 

But after the flames died down and smoke cleared a firefighter found Lacey, the dog, who survived the fire.

“They were looking for her owner and I was like that's me!” he said.

Sanbar was left with just enough time to get dressed and escape his fiery home as alarms sounded and flames began to fill his living room.

“I looked for her and I couldn't find her and the door was open and she jumped out of the window or something,” Sanbar said.

It was a joyous reunion but one Sanbar feared wouldn't happen until he saw sweet little Lacey, scared, but alive.

The Red Cross is helping with some residents putting them up in hotels.