Large Fire Leaves Oklahoma City Lumber Yard Devastated

A large structure fire early Saturday morning devastated a local lumber yard on Oklahoma City's southwest side.

Crews responded to the fire around 5 a.m. near May Ave. and Southwest 25th St. 

It is not known how the fire started, but firefighters battled the flames for several hours.

“When I got here, I saw everything in flames and I was just, like, asking to see if I could help or anything,” Fox Building Supply employee Armando Morales said.

Many who work at Fox Building Supply were in disbelief when they arrived this morning. Most of the property was destroyed. 

According to fire officials, this was a 3-alarm fire, which means about 50 firefighters were dispatched to the scene.  

“Our crews initiated an attack as best as they could,” OKC Deputy Fire Chief Mike Walker said.  “We have had multiple lumber barns on fire. Whenever they arrived, the crews have been able to confine the fire to the barns that were on fire when we arrived.”

There were no injuries and no one was inside the structure when the flames ignited. 

A person was in an RV in the back of the property, but that person made it out OK.

Tim Allen, who works for a company across the street, couldn't believe what he saw.

“I come down I-44 this morning. I see the smoke and it looked like this place was on fire. And I got over here, it was pretty shocking to see it burn up like that,” Allen said.

The Red Cross arrived on scene to provide food and water for the firefighters.

Some who worked for the building supply company said the lumber barns are a vital part of the business. 

“Sad because this material that we sell is pretty much our money right there. That's what gets us through the day,” Morales said.

Fire officials said the lumber barns are a complete loss at this time, but the main structure of the building is still in good condition.

The estimated cost of damage is still not determined at this time.