Tulsa Fire Investigator Says Fatal Fire Likely Caused By Meth Lab

Tulsa firefighters responded to a fatal house fire that left one man dead. Investigators believe the fire was caused by an active meth lab.

It happened in the 2300 block of North Birmingham Avenue early Saturday.

A district chief told News On 6 that firefighters were called to the scene at about 6:30 a.m. after a neighbor saw smoke coming from the house.

Crews made entry and got the flames under control, but the body of a man was discovered inside the house.

Fire Investigator Scott Rutherford said the man was "probably overcome with smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning.  [He] got disorientated and couldn't find his way out."

Rutherford said this type of meth making is extremely dangerous due to the chemicals involved in the process.

"When they're gassing it, it's processing in the bottle.  The lithium battery touches the plastic long enough, the metal burns through the plastic and it ruptures the bottle."

Neighbors say they had noticed a lot of commotion around the home, with a lot of traffic going in and out, but say they never expected anything like this.

"We were shocked," said Jesus Florez, a neighbor.  "We didn't know there was a meth lab down there. You never know what your neighbor's doing.  We've gotta be more alert."

The medical examiner's office has tentatively identified the body, but will not release that information until next of kin have been notified.

Keep checking back to this story for updates, and News On 6 viewers can watch the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts for more.