New drone footage released this week over the Apache Trace Apartments in Guymon shows the complex reduced to a charred shell after a fast spreading, wind driven blaze. From above, aerial images capture collapsed walkways, blackened siding and ruined personal items still scattered in common areas. In the days since the fire, dozens of neighbors and local charities have launched donation drives for clothing and hygiene supplies to help residents who were displaced.
Drone Footage Captures the Aftermath
As reported by MyTexasDaily, drone imagery published April 24 offers wide overhead views that underline just how extensively the complex was damaged. Photos and video from that coverage have been circulating among volunteers who are organizing immediate relief for families forced out of their homes.
Wind Driven Blaze Overran Units
Guymon Fire Chief Grant Wadley told local reporters that intense winds helped the fire jump rapidly from unit to unit and that the call quickly escalated into a third alarm response, according to KSCB. Firefighters from Guymon, Goodwell and Hooker remained on scene for more than 12 hours to knock down hot spots and keep the area secure.
How to Help Displaced Residents
Several local drop off points are accepting new clothing and hygiene supplies, with organizers asking specifically for men's sizes M–3XL, women's sizes XS–3XL, new socks and underwear, and toiletries, per NewsChannel 10. Reported drop off locations include Faith Learning Centers, Bronze and Beautiful Salon on 4th and Jack’s Bar and Grill, and the Methodist Clothing Ministry, which provided immediate clothing assistance to those in need.
Officials say the H building, a 16 unit block, was a total loss and roughly 40 people were displaced, with early damage estimates topping $1 million, KSCB reported. Two residents were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and released, and the American Red Cross and Texas County Emergency Management are coordinating short term shelter and recovery efforts.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the Guymon Fire Marshal's Office, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact local officials, according to NewsChannel 10. For many neighbors, the stark drone images now circulating are a blunt reminder of how quickly a single fire can upend lives in a small community.
