Full Notification

Shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, Enid Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 1402 N. Washington St. The caller told dispatch that there was no one inside the structure. When firefighters arrived on scene they found heavy smoke coming from the structure.
Initially, fire crews began an interior attack on the fire which was primarily in the sanctuary portion of the structure. Shortly thereafter they were forced to evacuate the structure as flames penetrated the roof, creating a collapse hazard. Large hose-streams were deployed from the 100-ft aerial platform and the 75-foot aerial nozzle, as well as numerous hand-lines to contain the fire to that structure and protect surrounding exposures.
Soon after firefighters evacuated the structure the roof of the main sanctuary area collapsed due to fire damage. The church steeple fell into the structure moments later. As of this writing, crews are still on-scene applying water and conducting overhaul operations. The structure is a total loss. The structure, built in 1950 is currently the home of Calvary Chapel Fellowship of Enid.
Church member Michael Hutchins told investigators on the scene that he had been working alone in the church, using an oxy-acetylene torch to remove the baptismal from the sanctuary area. Mr. Hutchins told investigators that he discovered that his torch had ignited framing materials in the wall and spread to adjacent areas. Mr. Hutchins escaped the structure and reported the fire to 911. Mr. Hutchins was not injured by the fire.
Firefighters expect to be on the scene for several hours to ensure that the fire is fully extinguished.

Released by the Enid Fire Department