NORMAN, OK -- A police officer watched helplessly, as his home was being devoured by fire Thursday morning. He was home at the time the fire started, but made it outside without injury.
Norman Fire officials say he called 911 just after 11:00 am.
They have yet to determine a cause. One of the first obstacles for fire crews had wings and tempers.
"We had multiple firefighters and a police officer gets stung by hornets," says Norman Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey.
Firefighters used a cone to mark an underground hornet's nest, whose tenants didn't like all the commotion.
"They're ok as long as you don't step on the hole," Bailey says.
Officials say a three-year firefighting veteran had to be transported to Norman Regional Hospital after suffering from heat exhaustion.
Another obstacle... no fire hydrants in this rural part of Norman, located in the 2800 block of N.E. 96th, just north of Lake Thunderbird. Water was carried in by Slaughterville's crews; one of four fire stations that helped.
"Norman is about 196 square miles," Bailey says. "About 40 percent of it is covered by hydrants. And this isn't the 40 percent."
Fortunately, no one was injured when part of the home above the garage collapsed. "After we extinguish this and turn it back over," Bailey says, "we'll make sure the homeowners are aware the structure is still dangerous."
Officials say the firefighter who suffered from heat exhaustion was treated and released from Norman Regional.
They have yet to determine a cause. One of the first obstacles for fire crews had wings and tempers.
"We had multiple firefighters and a police officer gets stung by hornets," says Norman Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey.
Firefighters used a cone to mark an underground hornet's nest, whose tenants didn't like all the commotion.
"They're ok as long as you don't step on the hole," Bailey says.
Officials say a three-year firefighting veteran had to be transported to Norman Regional Hospital after suffering from heat exhaustion.
Another obstacle... no fire hydrants in this rural part of Norman, located in the 2800 block of N.E. 96th, just north of Lake Thunderbird. Water was carried in by Slaughterville's crews; one of four fire stations that helped.
"Norman is about 196 square miles," Bailey says. "About 40 percent of it is covered by hydrants. And this isn't the 40 percent."
Fortunately, no one was injured when part of the home above the garage collapsed. "After we extinguish this and turn it back over," Bailey says, "we'll make sure the homeowners are aware the structure is still dangerous."
Officials say the firefighter who suffered from heat exhaustion was treated and released from Norman Regional.
