TULSA, Okla. — A massive fire ripped through the Sheridan Pond Apartment Complex Thursday morning, forcing families to leave their homes with a little more than the clothes on their backs, according to the Tulsa Fire Department.
People woke up to the smell of smoke as flames spread through the building. Firefighters say everyone made it out safely, and no injuries have been reported.
2 News Oklahoma spoke with Andy Little, a Public Information Officer with the Tulsa Fire Department. Little says they received many calls just after 8 a.m., with people reporting the fire near 81st and Sheridan.
"Life safety is the most important thing. I mean, we want to get that fire out, but the most important thing is the lives that are potentially living in those units."
Little said seven engines and three ladders were on scene. Firefighters initially worked inside to contain the fire, but quickly moved outside because the structure was unsafe and at risk of collapse.
Mayor Monroe Nichols posted on social about the fire and the response, mentioning that apartment management is working to keep all tenants housed.
Elliott Harris said he was woken up by firefighters beating on his door.
"I left my cats because I couldn't get them out. They were hiding under the bed. I tried ripping up the bed and stuff, and they kept squirming away. And the fire was already coming pretty close, so I had to get out of there. I just thought it was over. I thought the house was going to be burned down and that they would not make it. But they found them and rescued them."
Harris said both cats needed immediate attention after they were rescued, but appear to be doing well after sitting in the smoke for hours.
Others said they lost everything and are at a loss for words.
2 News Oklahoma's TJ Eckert spoke with Brandon Wanner, who was dropping off his daughter at school when he got a text message about the fire.
Wanner ran back home.
"It terrified me, driving back, because I could see that massive plume of smoke," said Wanner. The fire didn't reach his home, but it did destroy some of his friends' and neighbors' apartments.
Firefighters say the fire started in the attic, but the cause remains unknown.
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