By John Dobberstein, Editor
A large fire tore through Burn Co.’s restaurant near downtown Tulsa Thursday night, and crews were still on scene Friday morning monitoring the remains.
The Tulsa Fire Department said multiple 911 callers reported the blaze at the popular BBQ at 1738 S. Boston Ave. around 10:30 p.m. Engine 5, which is very close to the scene, responded quickly, the department said.
Firefighters reported large amounts of smoke coming from the building and entered to investigate.
Ladder 2 arrived next, followed by Chief Ariza (District 1 chief), Engine 4, Ladder 4, Engine 7 and Ladder 7. Ladder 4 was assigned to fire attack, Engine 4 assisted Engine 5, Engine 7 readied for Rapid Intervention, Ladder 4 handled utilities, and the Tulsa Police Department responded for traffic control.
“At this time, fire was visibly coming from the roof at rear of the building. The roof began to sag and appeared to be collapsing,” TFD said. “Crews were ordered to evacuate and begin a defensive attack.”
Engine 12 checked nearby buildings and Engine 18 arrived and was assigned to the front of the building. Ladder 4 continued to fight the fire from their ladder pipe and Engine 3 radioed the need for an additional ladder on the west side.
Ladder 20 began responding from Station 4 where they had been filling in during the fire. Ladder 2 repositioned on the west side and called for water supply. Engine 3 hooked up a 5 inch supply line for Ladder 2 so they could begin additional defensive efforts.
Ladder 7 reported on the radio that the wall on the north side of the building was unstable, appeared to be buckling and “could come down.” Engine 12 crew was in the bucket of Ladder 4 and reported that three quarters of the roof had collapsed.
Ladder 7 reported that their ladder pipe appeared to be knocking down the fire, but quickly grew again if they moved their stream. Engine 12 reported that the majority of heavy fire was extinguished and most of the roof was down. Crews again entered the building to knock down remaining hot spots.
At 12:56 am, the fire was reported to be under control. The power to some nearby apartments was temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure.
Multiple crews were still on scene as of Friday morning. The cause is undetermined at this time.
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