Tulsa, OK – A dangerous fire at an abandoned synagogue near 14th Street and Cheyenne is keeping some 50 firefighters busy this morning, with icy conditions complicating the situation.
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The fire, which was discovered by a Tulsa police officer, apparently began in the boarded-up structure’s basement and was difficult for firefighters to reach.
“It is a very dangerous situation. We’re fighting it in defensive mode, from the outside. It is under control but by no means out,” fire spokesman Capt. Michael Baker said.
Baker said the fire has been declared a third-alarm fire and that about 16 fire trucks were called to the scene.
A four-unit apartment building just to the west was evacuated as a precaution, Baker said.
Baker said the icy weather conditions is making things difficult.
“It’s very slippery out here, lots of precipitation falling. You add all the water and mist and it’s very slick for our firefighters.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“Other than this, though, it has been a pretty quiet nigh,” Baker added.
I wish Chabad could have take charge of the shul and started a congregation there. I am sure there are 100 Israelis and 25 Yiddishe Doctors there. Don’t be surprised, they are everywhere you least expect it !!! Let’s rebuild it.
Chabad is already in Tulsa for quite some time now. From the name of the burned down structure it was a reform house of worship and hadn’t been used since 1932 anyway.
It’s always a shame to see old synagogues abandoned like that.