Midtown Tulsa Pallet, Vehicle Fire Likely Cause By Cigarette

Tulsa Firefighters responded to a large fire in midtown Tulsa Tuesday afternoon. They say it was probably caused by a cigarette.

Tuesday, May 5th 2015, 2:47 pm

By: News On 6


Tulsa firefighters responded to a large fire in midtown Tulsa Tuesday afternoon. People could see the smoke from the fire for miles.

The Tulsa Fire Department said a truck caught fire and the flames spread to a large amount of wooden pallets at a business near 11th and Fulton.

Witnesses say they heard what sounded like explosions. When they looked outside, they saw the flames and smoke in the middle of the yard at Mill Plastics. 

Several units including a ladder truck responded to the scene, and firefighters got the fire under control in just a few minutes. About 40 firefighters responded.

Investigators say it was likely caused by a cigarette.

The fire burned a few vehicles, wooden pallets, cardboard and some other equipment, but no employees were injured.

Many neighbors were standing on 11th Street watching the fire burn. Some said they saw employees running out to get away from the flames.

"I heard explosions, and I opened the door and the fire was contained then," said Sean Carpenter, a neighbor who shot cell phone video of the fire.

"In a matter of seconds, the whole thing went up in flames."

The fire burned for about 30 minutes.

"The flames were really building up, and one of the light poles caught on fire," said witness Frank Fitzgerald.

The business, Mill Plastics, has been the site of an industrial fire in the past, according to News On 6 reporter Emory Bryan.

We've learned one firefighter hurt his wrist while battling the fire, but he is expected to be OK.

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

May 5th, 2015

March 14th, 2024

December 4th, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024