Headlines
Related Photos
-
PHOTO PROVIDED
Discussion
<b><font color= red>UPDATED — </b></font color> Fire destroys OTEMS ambulance
April 7, 2009 — A fire that is being ruled accidental destroyed one ambulance and damaged a second ambulance and a command vehicle early Sunday at the administrative headquarters of Oologah-Talala Emergency Medical Services.
The fire was discovered at 12:22 a.m. when an ambulance crew from Station 1 brought its unit to Station 2, which also houses the administrative offices. But thanks to a dousing from a water pipe which burst as a result of the fire, the flames were contained and the fire was out by the time firefighters from Northwest Fire Department arrived.
“It was bad but it could have been much worse,” said OTEMS board member Bob Sweet.
Fire damage was limited to the bay area, but the entire 5,000 square foot facility suffered smoke damage with soot heavily covering nearly everything in the building.
Two ambulances were available for service Sunday and Monday, which officials said was sufficient to cover a routine day shift.
A plan was implemented that would allow OTEMS Maintenance Chief Justin Woodworth to fly to Dallas to pick up a leased ambulance while the destroyed ambulance was being replaced and the damaged unit was being restored. However, the trip did not take place because, “even if the ambulance was picked up, all the equipment and items stocked on Unit 11 was destroyed so there would be nothing to stock the new unit,” officials said.
On Monday afternoon, OTEMS Public Information Officer John Wylie said the damaged unit would be fully operational by Tuesday morning, leaving the ambulance service down only one unit.
A verbal report from an insurance investigator indicates the fire began in the engine block of the ambulance and will be ruled an accident.
Even though the damage is substantial, Wylie said there will be no cost to taxpayers to restore the facility and replace the destroyed ambulance because the insurance policy will cover the cost.
Following the fire Sunday, the facility was left without phone service or electricity. But that didn’t interrupt any dispatching services for OTEMS because the Chelsea Police Department conducts dispatching for the ambulance service.
On Monday afternoon, Wylie said there was temporary phone service in the building as well as partial electricity.
- Headlines
-
-
NEW DORMS: RSU going more traditional
In just a year, Rogers State University will double the number of students sleeping, eating and studying on its campus. That’s twice the students walking to class in the morning. Twice the students calling RSU home.
-
DEQ: Public drinking water in Oologah is safe
Public drinking water in the Oologah area is not contaminated by heavy metals from the local Public Service Company of Oklahoma power plant according to officials at PSO and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
-
County will not use carryover for new hires
Rogers County Commissioners oppose spending money carried over from last year’s budget — in spite of county officers who say they need money now.
-
Rogers County men arrested on burglary charges
Sheriff’s officers are hoping the recent arrest of two Rogers County men will halt a recent bout of burglaries.
-
Crews zero in on courthouse design, cost
Rogers County’s new courthouse has been nudged over and stretched to take advantage of the closing of Missouri Street, according to schematics unveiled Monday.
-
Sheriff: ‘Extraordinary’ need for new deputies
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office may lose the ability to provide even basic services if it can’t hire more deputies this year, Sheriff Scott Walton told commissioners Monday.
-
Symphony League hosts membership drive
The Claremore Symphony League will host a wine and cheese reception to launch the membership drive for 2010 - 2011. The reception, to be held at the Will Rogers Memorial on September the 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30, will feature wine tasting and the presentation of the Honorary Chairman of this season’s Symphony League Ball.
-
Felony charges filed against former Chelsea chief of police
Formal charges were filed Thursday in Rogers County against a former Chelsea police chief.
-
Report hits Oologah power plant for river pollution
Waste improperly handled by the AEP/PSO power plant in Oologah may be contaminating the Verdigris River, according to a report released this week.
-
Groups support bicycle safety overhauls
Bicycling groups across the state said they support a new legislative package designed to protect riders and motorists. However, many cyclists are calling for the state to do more to educate residents and enforce existing laws and practices.
- More Headlines Headlines
-
