Fire Guts Northwest OKC Apartment Complex

Oklahoma City firefighters battled a raging fire at a NW OKC apartment complex Friday morning.

Friday, November 22nd 2013, 7:55 pm

By: News 9


Oklahoma City firefighters battled a raging fire at a NW OKC apartment complex Friday morning.

Several units were affected at the Villas at Stone Lake on Lyrewood Ln. near Northwest Expressway.

Firefighters worked through sleet and ice as flames shot up through the roof of the apartment building. It took a few hours before the fire was fully out. Fortunately no one was injured and residents worked together to get evacuate everyone.

Jacqueline Melfah says she was in her car around 9 a.m. when fire broke out in front of her apartment. 

"We just looked up, and there were flames, so we just started knocking on doors, and I called the fire department," Melfah said. "It got to the point where it was tough trying to give them the address. I was just more focused on getting people out."

11/22/2013 Related Story: Firefighters Contain 3 Alarm Apartment Fire In NW OKC 

Melfah helped get several people out to safety, as dozens of firefighters battled the billowing smoke and flames rising from the roof. Firefighters are still investigating the cause of the fire, but believe it started in the fireplace in one of the 2nd floor apartments.

"It appears the fire may have originated out of the chimney and on the second story, and we were having quite a bit of difficulty getting to the scene of the fire due to the several roof layers on there," said Oklahoma City Fire Battalion Chief, Brian Stanaland.

"They went inside the apartments that are affected and actually, there's no fire inside the apartments, so we think it's all in the roof area."

Stanaland said it's important for residents everywhere to always make sure their fireplace is cleaned before they use it and make sure the smoke detectors work. He also recommends that residents do not use a stove or oven to heat their place, and give space heaters about three feet of room in all directions.

Residents are relieved that no one was hurt.

"Just praise God that we got everybody out and that everybody's ok," Melfah said.

Firefighters say about six families are now displaced. The Red Cross is assisting those residents.

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