Suspicious fires scrutinized

The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s office is actively investigating three highly suspicious fires, two that occurred nearly simultaneously early last Friday morning and one on Saturday night.

All three houses that were destroyed – one at 128 W. Bruel, a two story house in the 100 block of Fox and the house at 431 S. Santa Fe – were vacant at the time of the fires.

The first call came in Friday morning at 5:42 a.m.

Firefighters found the home fully engulfed when they arrived.

Just 23 minutes later the second call came in the vacant two story house in the 100 block of Fox.

That house was also fully involved.

Purcell requested mutual aid from Lexington’s Fire Department with the two homes burning at the same time.

Due to the structure being in a back yard and adjacent to a dead end alley, access proved to be difficult.

Once the fire was no longer active, Lexington Firefighters were released. Purcell Firefighters remained on scene awaiting the arrival of the State Fire Marshal.

He investigated both fire scenes and again after the Saturday night blaze on Santa Fe. Firefighters arrived at the house at 10:50 p.m. and once again found the house fully involved.

Firemen reported fire had already come through the eaves and reached into the attic. The structure had minimal contents and seemed to be idle with some renovation materials inside.

Once the fire was knocked down the three large trucks cleared the scene with four firemen including Chief Greg Cypert and Assistant Chief Rocky Claunch remaining.

The Fire Marshal’s investigation is on going.