Triple-Digit Temperatures Take Toll on Fire Crews

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The high temperatures are taking a toll on fire crews.

Earlier in the day, firefighters fought a small grassfire near Westminster and Memorial roads. No injuries were reported from the grassfire.

Then crews headed to an apartment fire. The blaze occurred at the Willow Cliff Apartments on NW 50 Street. The fire claimed one apartment, which was a total loss. The damage is estimated at around $100,000.

A total of four apartments were damaged by the flames and smoke.

Fire crews confirmed the blaze started on the balcony. A few residents who saw the fire helped out by knocking on doors so neighbors so they could evacuate the building.

"With the heat being as high as it is today, you know it does get taxing on firefighters and they were able to again battle through the heat and do a good job in getting this fire contained," said Maj. Tony Davis with the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

The firefighters try to rotate crews every 15 minutes to drink water, cool down and avoid exhaustion.