'It's Surreal': Tulsa Apartment Residents, Victims Picking Up The Pieces After Damaging Fire

People who lived at the Windsail Apartments near 71st and Mingo are trying to get what they can out of their damaged homes after a fire destroyed several units. 

The Red Cross says more than 40 people were affected by the fire. 

Related: Authorities Battle 3-Alarm Fire At Windsail Apartments In Tulsa

One of the people who lived here says this whole thing feels surreal, and you never think something like this will happen to you, until it does. 

It was a normal night for Kalyn Venable and her fiancé until they heard someone yelling and went outside to see an apartment above them in flames. 

"Everyone was running and yelling and obviously when everyone around you is panicking, it's hard not to panic," she said. 

She says they were able to grab their cat, but nothing else and get out. 

She went across the street to watch from a distance, but it was hard to take in. 

"At some point, we couldn't even see the building, because of how bad the smoke was. I stayed in the car and after a certain point I had to leave, I couldn't sit and watch it anymore," Kalyn said.

The Tulsa Fire Department says the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but about 36 units have been damaged. 

Matt Trotter with Red Cross says they are working to make sure people have a place to stay and the resources they need. 

"We do provide financial assistance in cases like this, people are free to use that in any way that they choose, we find that people know how to spend that money for themselves to help recover best," he said.

Kalyn is getting married in September, so she's trying to remain positive. 

She went back today and was able to get a few things out, especially the one thing that meant the most.. Her mom's hope chest. 

"My mom passed away in 2011, and a lot of the stuff I was worried about still inside was her stuff, a lot of the stuff I can replace, but her stuff I can't," she said.

The Red Cross will be at the complex Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., but you can also call them if you need assistance at any time at 1-800-Red Cross. 

Kalyn says the apartment complex is also helping her find a place to go. 

A GoFundMe has been created to help Kalyn and her fiancé. To view, CLICK HERE.

Tulsa Apartment Fire Coverage:

1. 'It Breaks Your Heart': Residents Displaced By Fire At Tulsa Apartment Complex
2. Drone Footage Shows Smoke Pouring Out Tulsa Apartment Complex During Fire
3. Firefighters Say Building Design May Have Amplified Fire Spread At Tulsa Windsail Apartments