Adair Fire Response Delayed By AT&T Wireless Phones

A problem with AT&T Wireless phones delayed a 911 call about a house fire in Adair Thursday and caused firefighters to search a burning home for a person who wasn't even there.

Friday, September 23rd 2011, 4:13 pm

By: News On 6


Emory Bryan, News On 6

ADAIR, Oklahoma -- A problem with AT&T Wireless phones delayed a 911 call about a house fire in Adair Thursday and caused firefighters to search a burning home for a person who wasn't even there.

Jonny Terry's home in Adair caught fire Thursday morning. Several AT&T customers told News On 6 they attempted to report the fire, without success.

The first police officer at the scene was unable to call out from his AT&T phone. Terry says he tried 15 times to call and tell authorities his disabled wife was not inside, while they were searching the burning home.

"We've been having phone problems for a couple of months," Terry said.

Terry's phone history showed a 6-minute delay from the first attempted call to the one that connected. Terry's home was a complete loss, but no one was injured.

The police chief, who is also a firefighter, says all those delays put everyone at unnecessary risk.

"I think it endangers the public in general, not just people in emergency services," said Adair Police Chief Andy Heathcott.

A representative of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission told News On 6 that wireless phone quality is unregulated and service standards are purely in control of the company - and the customers who use them.

An AT&T spokesperson in Oklahoma City, Emily Lang, told the News on 6 they were glad no one was injured, but regarding the poor service she only said "we are in the process of investigating the reports."

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

September 23rd, 2011

March 14th, 2024

December 4th, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024