(Cushing) – An overnight fire has destroyed a Cushing landmark. The Red Barn Store appears to be a total loss after a blaze that was first reported about 3:00 AM. Cushing Firefighters are still on the scene of the fire, and smoke can still be seen coming from the remains of the building.
Although the identity of the fire victim has not been released by Cushing Police or Fire officials, family members have told KUSH they believe the victim to have been the owner of the Red Barn Western Wear store, Dale Williams. Family members say that Williams maintained a small living quarters near the back of the building.
Cushing Police released a statement regarding the discovery of the blaze, and the ongoing investigation:
This morning, just after 2:41 a.m., Cushing police officer Brad Staggs was on patrol in the 1400 blk E. North Street, when he discovered heavy smoke and fire coming from the Red Barn, 1438 E. Main Street. The Cushing Fire Department was notified by the 911 Call Center and responded to the scene. Shortly after the fire department arrived, the Drumright Fire Department was called to provide mutual aid. Drumright was later released from the fire scene just after 7:20 a.m. this morning. Members of the fire department’s investigation team are at the fire scene this afternoon, working with a member of the Oklahoma State Fire Marshall’s Office to try and determine the cause of the fire.
In addition to significant property loss, there has been one confirmed fatality. The identity of the person that has been discovered is not yet known. The deceased will be taken to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiners Office in Oklahoma City where a positive identification will hopefully be made.
Deputy Fire Chief Chris Pixler said, “I am very proud of the quick response by our department and neighboring Drumright. We were able to quickly prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring businesses thereby reducing additional property loss. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but we are actively working to try and determine where and what caused this fire. As a city, our thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family as they begin the process of dealing with this loss.”
Pixler also told KUSH that firefighters made three or four attempts to attack the blaze from inside the structure, but were forced back by flames and heat.
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