Southwest OKC Fire, Blazing Temps Tax Firefighters

Jon Jordan, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – Quick action on the part of firefighters saved several homes and, possibly, lives in a fire on the city's south side Sunday afternoon.

Firefighters responded to S.W. 54th and Blackwelder shortly after 3 p.m. to find a frame building engulfed in flames. The building was surrounded by several homes.

Firefighters established a defensive attack to preserve the surrounding buildings.

Acting Fire Chief Major Tony Tompkins reported the fire may have started as a result of careless welder working in the area. He said the man was welding on a motorcycle and laid his equipment down for a moment. It was still hot and ignited the wood it was sitting on.

There were no injuries reported in the fire, although the extremely hot afternoon temperatures did make it difficult on firefighters.