Fire Destroys Catoosa Man's Home, Antique Collection

Fire destroyed a Catoosa home early Thursday as well as much of the homeowner's huge antique collection.

Firefighters from Catoosa, Oak Grove and Rolling Hills were called to the home on North Jeffrey Street near Highway 167 just before 6 a.m. 

Officials believe the fire started in the laundry room and quickly spread to the attic and roof.  Three people inside were able to make it out uninjured.  

The homeowner, Mike Chambers, said much of his collection of antique guns, toys and furniture was destroyed.

Chambers expects the loss of his collection to total $25,000 to $40,000.  He says firefighters tried to save parts of the collection including the guns, toys and lunch boxes.

Chambers, who owns an antique store in Chouteau, said he has been collecting for 20 years. Some of the guns, including flintlocks just cannot be found anywhere else in Oklahoma.

He says he has insurance for the home, but not his antique collection.