Large fire at south Tulsa apartment complex leaves several people without home

SOUTH TULSA, Okla. — Firefighters responded to a fire at the Windsail Apartments near East 71st Street and South Mingo Road on Monday.

Tulsa Fire and EMSA responded to the complex at around 7 p.m. after receiving multiple calls that people saw smoke or the fire itself.

The main fire is now out, but FOX23 learned that two buildings are affected and the roofs are completely gone on both buildings.

Multiple people were evacuated out of those buildings as the flames raged on.

At this time, no one has been reported injured due to the fire, but two firefighters were taken to the hospital for further medical evaluation of heat-related illnesses.

Andy Little with Tulsa Fire said they still aren't sure how the fire exactly started, but believe something on a balcony could have played a big part.

With the ongoing hot weather, Little explained how battling a fire like this becomes even more difficult in the July heat.

"With the temperatures, how many firefighters and how large this fire is, they're constantly having to rotate these people out because they are just beat. Just completely worn out from the day," Little said.

After the main fire was put out, firefighters continued to go through every unit in the complex to make sure everyone has been evacuated.

With this being an older building, the firefighters have to check the walls with heat guns to make sure there are no hidden fires within them.

FOX23 spoke with multiple people in the parking lot and while FOX23 found no one who lived in the complex, many Tulsans, such as Mya Bridgen,  were there for moral support and to pray for the residents.

"We were driving just down the street and we saw just a whole bunch of smoke clouds. We came here to just kind of check it out and whenever we pulled up there was just a whole bunch of stuff going on. Just kind of here to make sure everything is going OK and to show my condolence and support," Bridgen said.

Red Cross is at the apartment complex and helping residents who have to leave their home due to the fire. They are supplying them, as well as the first responders, with water and other necessities.

FOX23 was at the scene and will provide additional information as it becomes available.