A massive structure fire in Oklahoma City early Friday left one person dead and pulled in a heavy response from both fire and police crews. Firefighters first fought the flames from outside the building, then moved in for a search, where they found a victim who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials' updates
According to the Oklahoma City Fire Department, crews "applied large volumes of water" and used aerial master streams while working in a defensive posture from the exterior. Once they gained the upper hand, firefighters shifted to an interior attack and searched the building, where they located one person who was "pronounced deceased at the scene." Police officers also responded, and the Oklahoma City Police Department has opened an investigation into the incident.
How crews fought the blaze
Firefighters leaned on aerial master streams and heavy water application to knock down the main body of fire before sending crews inside. Elevated master streams allow ladder companies to pour thousands of gallons of water from above to control large or fast-moving fires, and are commonly used as a defensive tactic when conditions are unstable. Fire Engineering notes that master streams can be used either defensively or offensively depending on the situation.
Investigation and next steps
Fire investigators are now working to determine what sparked the blaze, and the Oklahoma City Police Department has launched a separate probe into the death, per the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Officials have not released the victim's name or said whether anyone else was injured. Authorities say more details are expected once investigators finish processing the scene and following up on leads.
