Rebuilding To Start On Deep Fork Building Destroyed By Fire Near Okmulgee

NewsOn6.com

OKMULGEE, Oklahoma -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will begin rebuilding the Deep Fork administration building destroyed by a fire in August.

08/10/10 Related Story: Suspicious Fire Destroys Building At Deep Fork Wildlife Refuge Near Okmulgee

Investigators ruled the fire that caused nearly a million dollars in damages arson. The building was being constructed at the time and was about 1/3 complete.

The new building will give refuge staff an on-site headquarters, eliminating the need for the 10-mile drive to Okmulgee. The building will also serve as a visitor center.

The new project is scheduled to be complete by June, 2011 and will be constructed under new security measures to prevent another fire, the agency said.

The investigation into the fire is still ongoing. The Jenks contractor and others are offering a $2,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in this case.

The $976,000 project is being funded by the Recovery Act.