Heat Source Possible Cause Of Deadly Muskogee Fire

By Craig Day, News On 6

MUSKOGEE, OK -- The body of a 50-year-old woman was found in her mobile home in Muskogee after it was engulfed in flames.

Donna Shatto found out about the fire at a mobile home across the street from her house after receiving a phone call no one ever wants to get.

"He says ‘momma, momma the house across the way is on fire.' I said ‘I'll be home.' I dropped everything and came right home and by the time we got here, it was just engulfed," said Donna Shatto, fire victim's neighbor.

Firefighters found the body of 50-year-old Lisa Ercanbrack inside her mobile home at the Riverside mobile home park. Neighbors are shocked and saddened.

"She was a very sweet lady. When she did get out, she was the sweetest kindest person," said Shatto.

A window heater, space heater and a hot plate were being used to heat the trailer, but a cause of the fire hasn't been determined yet.

While investigators work to pinpoint a cause, fire investigators say it is a tragic reminder about the importance of safety, especially as the weather gets colder.

Muskogee Assistant Fire Marshal James Ledbetter says everyone should double check heaters to make sure they're in good working order and should develop and practice a plan to get out of a burning home quickly.

"It's something we teach children, from toddlers through senior citizens, is always have a plan in case a fire happens, because when it happens is not the time you want to learn what you are going to do," said James Ledbetter, Muskogee Assistant Fire Marshal.

Ercanbrack's death is believed to be accidental and foul play is not suspected.

Her body has been sent to the medical examiner's office in Tulsa for autopsy.

Investigators could determine a cause of the fire within a few days.