Destructive Tulsa House Fire Not Suspicious, Investigators Say

<p>Investigators said they don't have a cause for a fire that destroyed a Tulsa woman's home, but said they don't think it's suspicious.</p>

Thursday, January 7th 2016, 6:04 pm

By: News On 6

Destructive Tulsa House Fire Not Suspicious, Investigators Say

Four of Tulsa’s newest firefighters helped battle a fire Thursday morning that destroyed a woman’s home.

The fire started around 8:00 a.m. at the Boston Square Condos near 24th and Boston. Fire investigators don't think the fire is suspicious, but aren't sure yet what sparked it.

Most of the damage is in the garage, where the fire is believed to have started. Among the damage is a charred 2015 Cadillac Escalade.

It's sitting in the middle of what was a garage, with pieces of the home surrounding it.

News On 6 was there as smoke and flames poured out of the Boston Square condo.

Neighbors heard popping sounds and thought the vehicle might have exploded, but Captain Stan May said investigators don't believe that's what started it.

"Nothing in there lends to an explosion but the tires will pop, especially when it gets that hot," May said.

Since the fire isn't considered suspicious, the fire investigators job is done.

May said, “That falls out of our realm and puts it back on insurance companies and property owner. They will determine how much testing they will want to do to figure out the cause."

A smoke detector saved the woman's life; she heard it beeping and ran out her front door. Firefighters arrived shortly after and kept the fire from spreading too far.

For four of the firefighters, it was their first day on the job after having just graduated from the fire academy this week.

"It's the real deal. It's where everything comes together. All your training you have worked and been through the last five months, it finally came together right here," said probationary firefighter, Scott Bertelli.

Although investigators aren't sure of the cause, firefighters have seen an increase in fires recently and want to remind people to play it safe.

“Check your extension cords. Old extension cords, if they are showing any signs of cracking, you need to get rid of those things, it's a danger," May said.

Besides the garage, there is also damage to the main floor and part of the second story. The condo next door has smoke and water damage.