DRUMRIGHT — A residential structure on North Ohio Street was destroyed in a fire recently. There were no reported injuries associated with the incident, according to Drumright Fire Chief Brett Lunsford.
Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 11:32 p.m. on April 22 to a home located at 213 North Ohio. Lunsford said crews were en route within minutes and arrived on scene by 11:38 p.m. The structure was fully engulfed in flames upon arrival.
“It was fully involved when we got there,” Lunsford said.
With the fire already consuming the residence Lunsford said crews were directed to shift focus to protecting nearby structures. Firefighters deployed what Lunsford called a “water curtain” — a high-volume stream designed to shield adjacent properties from radiant heat and flames. The effort was focused on a neighboring home to the north.
As a precaution, firefighters forcibly entered the northern residence to evacuate occupants who were asleep inside. All individuals were safely removed, and no injuries were reported, according to Lunsford.
“Life over property,” he said to emphasize the department’s priority during emergency responses.
Fire crews remained on scene for approximately one hour and 52 minutes. Fire department members also conducted an extensive search of the burned structure and debris to confirm no one was inside at the time of the fire. Lunsford stated the home’s primary occupant was not present during the incident.
The structure is considered a total loss — based on assessor values, Lunsford estimated the property loss at approximately $63,000. However, he also noted that he prefers to highlight what was preserved.
“We saved a neighboring home valued at about $80,000, including its contents,” he said “That’s something I have always tried to do throughout my career… Think of things in what we were able to save.”
Mutual aid was provided by the Oilton and Olive fire departments — in total there were 16 firefighters who responded to the scene — 10 from Drumright, three from Oilton, and three from Olive. Creek County Emergency Medical Services also staged at the location in the event medical assistance was needed.
The cause and origin of the fire remain undetermined. Lunsford said the extent of the damage has made it difficult to pinpoint where or how the fire started. A full report was still in progress.
Despite the significant property loss, officials say the outcome could have been far worse.
“No one was hurt, and that’s what matters most,” Lunsford said.