Woman Dies In Apartment Fire

By Ashli Sims, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The Tulsa Fire Department is investigating the 10th fire death this year. Firefighters found a 28-year-old woman dead inside her apartment Friday morning, after a fire overnight.

Fire investigators say the victim is Allicia Breedlove. They believe she was actually trying to escape her apartment, when she was overcome by smoke.

Family and friends raced to the Sheridan Pointe Apartments only to be greeted by grief. All they could do is embrace, when they heard the news Breedlove was gone.

"This is a sad deal, it's a sad occasion for the family, it's a sad day. However it is very important that you be fire safe," said TPD Captain Michael Baker.

Firefighters responded Friday morning to a call of a woman down inside her apartment. When they arrived, they found heavy fire damage, but no flames. They think it started in the kitchen.

"Fire investigators tell me it looks like she was frying something in there, possible french fries or something like that. And the situation got out of control," said Captain Baker.

The 28-year-old was found just 10 feet from the door.

"The victim was overcome by the smoke and toxic fumes inside and was unable to escape," said Captain Baker.

Neighbors were stunned.

"I was up late last night and I can hardly sleep but I didn't hear anything. It just happened," said Charlie Mitchell. "She was really nice I enjoyed her company."

Fire investigators say it's a tragic reminder to have an exit plan and practice it regularly.

"If you experience a fire, even a small fire in a kitchen can produce a serious amount of smoke. And we have a situation here where that smoke took the life of someone today," said Captain Baker.

This is the 10th fire-related death this year. That's one more death than all of 2007.