| Updated: 11/15/2012 9:23 am |
Published: 11/14/2012 7:55 pm
|
Twice this week, onlookers were left standing in the cold, as flames forced them out of their apartment.
On Monday, in Mannford at the Salt Creek Apartments, a hot water heater caused an explosion. A fire ensued, which left tenants homeless; some of them suffering second and third degree burns.
“I woke up, and I heard all this popping noise,” said Judith Williams-Younger.
Tuesday night, was a similar scene in midtown Tulsa, at the Bradstone Apartments. Investigators said a heater caused the fire.
"We do routine service with all of our property,” said Exec. Director of Mental Health Association Mike Brose. He oversees Bradstone Apartments. He said check ups are to ensure safety.
"I have my own theory,” said Jesse Keith.
Keith lives in one of the units at Bradstone.
"I was worried that I was going to lose everything," said Keith.
Heaters and hot water tanks are typically on checklist for tenants to inspect before moving into a property.
In fact, tenants should insist on walking through before signing a lease.
Here's what you should look for with heaters: make sure they're free of rust- if there's chipping there could be leaks, which could cause carbon monoxide problems.
"You see it on television, but when it’s right in front of your face it's a lot different,” said Di Klepac.
Brose says the last maintenance check here was within the last two weeks.
City officials said you should contact your apartment manager if you’re experiencing problems. However, if that doesn't work and you suspect there's a fire hazard, call the Fire Marshall.
If you would like to donate items to the fire victims you can drop them off at the Mental Health Association, near 18th and Boulder.
