Norman — A Norman family watched from the street as firefighters tried to save their home from a devastating fire Tuesday afternoon on Alderbrook Court.
Norman Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey said firefighters were dispatched to 1909 Alderbrook Court about 3:33 p.m. Tuesday. When fire personnel pulled up to the scene, flames and smoke were pouring from the two-story structure.
“Fire was coming out of the garage,” Bailey said.
He said firefighters believe the blaze broke out in that area. Two vehicles inside the garage were destroyed.
“The fire went into the attic area,” Bailey said.
Flames spread to the ground and charred the grass. Firefighters sprayed water on the house directly south of 1909 Alderbrook to prevent it from catching fire.
The home is in a neighborhood west of 36th Avenue NW between Rock Creek Road and Robinson Street.
Bailey said the homeowners reported the blaze. Everyone was able to escape the burning house without injury. The house suffered heavy damage.
Neighbor Patti Shelton said the home belongs to John and Mary Eve Summers. At least two people were inside the house when fire broke out.
Shelton said she was inside her home when a popping noise caught her attention.
“I thought it was firecrackers,” Shelton said. “I came to the door and it was all over.”
Shelton stood in front of her home and gathered with other neighbors who converged on the street.
Teresa Marsee lives next door on the north side of the Summers. She said construction workers alerted her about the situation.
“The construction guys came over, knocked and said the house was on fire,” Marsee said.
Smoke was visible from the 36th Avenue NW and Robinson Street intersection.
Firefighters from four stations were assigned to the fire. EMSStat paramedics also responded to the scene. Norman police provided traffic control as fire personnel contained the fire.
Bailey said firefighters remained at the scene Tuesday night.
“They will be out there for a while putting out hot spots, overhauling the attics and extinguishing any fires,” he said.
He said the Norman fire marshal’s office will investigate what sparked the blaze.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
