Three suspects arrested in Tahlequah for arson spree damaging properties and hydrants

Three suspects were arrested for reportedly setting more than 20 fires and vandalizing fire hydrants. According to the Tahlequah Fire Department, the suspects caused property damage and significant water loss to communities in at least three counties. Tahlequah Fire Chief Casey Baker said Jacob Mills, 24, of Cherokee County, Sebastian Ritter, 21, of Adair County, and a 17-year-old boy confessed to setting five structure fires and numerous grass fires in Cherokee and Adair Counties. Officials said the suspects admitted to draining the water from fire hydrants in a number of communities throughout Cherokee, Adair, and Sequoyah Counties. Baker said the three suspects were identified during an investigation into two structure fires in eastern Cherokee County in the early morning hours of April 21.
KTUL-TV ABC 8 Tulsa

Man suffering from stroke symptoms lives thanks to Edmond homeowner, first responders

VIDEO: A man is alive and well thanks to an Edmond homeowner he was working for, along with first responders. While trimming a tree in her backyard, he showed signs of a stroke. Luckily, she was right there to call for help. After the first responders got there and took care of him, they went above and beyond their call of duty to help even more. “They’re angels,” Jerry McLain said about the homeowner and her sister he was working for. “You better believe, because I never have people out watching me do a job. They’re usually at work. If I had been by myself, it had been a whole different scenario.” On a back porch in Edmond sat one of those “angels” 71-year-old Jerry McLain credits for saving his life. “It was just in God’s plan, I think,” said Marilyn Nance, the homeowner that called 911. McLain owns a tree trimming service.
KFOR-TV NBC 4 Oklahoma City

Minor explosions from Tulsa commercial storage fire, no major injuries reported

VIDEOS: Tulsa Fire Department responded to a commercial fire that caused minor material explosions Thursday morning. Fire officials said it started at a commercial storage unit around 3 a.m. near W 26th St. The majority of the fire was on the outside of the structure; however, some of the fire made its way inside, where hazardous materials were stored. Minor explosions were caused by items like paint cans, petroleum products, and oils, firefighters said. One person was evaluated for possible smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. The wind blew any rising smoke away so there wasn't a risk to air quality, according to fire officials, and there was no risk to the public. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene, along with a hazmat crew and police. Officials are still investigating what caused the fire.
KTUL-TV ABC 8 Tulsa

State bill looks to raise firefighter pension, attract volunteer firefighters

VIDEO: A proposed Senate bill looks to increase firefighters' pension in hopes of encouraging more volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 453 would increase the pension from $7.53 to $10 and hopes to give more support for small town fire departments across the state. State Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, said the bill was inspired by her small-town roots. "Those smaller communities can't sustain a full task force of fire personnel because they don't have those resources to do it," Garvin said. The increase is expected to work retroactively and apply to those already retired in addition to new retirees. "In order to recruit and retain more people into volunteer fire departments across the state, this bill is vital because it helps give them some sort of incentive to stay longer," Garvin said.
KOCO-TV ABC 5 Oklahoma City

Firefighters put out marijuana grow fire in Logan County, electrical wiring suspected cause

Oak Cliff Fire Department put out a fire at a marijuana grow facility near Waterloo Road and Coltrane Road in Logan County Thursday morning. Officials believe it started around 6 a.m. and was likely caused by electrical wiring in the lobby area of the building. Flames had reached the attic and outer part of the structure, and part of the roof was caved in. Fire officials said most of the damage was isolated to the lobby. However, other parts of the building that store marijuana products and grow materials sustained water and smoke damage.
KOKH-TV FOX 25 Oklahoma City