One of Two Tulsa Daycare Fires This Weekend Ruled An Arson

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- The Tulsa Fire Department is investigating fires at two Tulsa daycares. The fires were reported within 20 minutes of each other early Sunday morning and may be connected, authorities say.

The first fire was reported at 3:30 a.m. at the Precious Rose Child Care at Pine and North 66th East Avenue. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames.

At 3:46 another fire was reported at Weeland Child Care, 24th and Memorial. When firefighters arrived on scene, flames were coming from the windows of the building. Firefighters entered the building and suppressed the fire. 

City officials say fighting the fire caused three water mains to break. The broken water lines forced firefighters to use 500-gallon tanker trucks to put out the fire. Water gushed into streets near 24th and Memorial, and at two other locations nearby.

A city worker says it's not uncommon for water lines to break when there is a major change in pressure, like when crews use large amounts of water to fight fires.

Tulsa Fire District Chief Michael Atchison said the Weeland fire is suspicious and is under investigation.

He said there were some similarities between the two fires.