May 14, 2008 05:37 pm
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By Michael Kinney
Transcript Staff Writer
A section of Classen Storage, 2400 S. Classen, was severely damaged by fire early Wednesday morning. There were no injuries and authorities said a cause or damage estimate have yet to be determined.
Assistant Fire Chief Jim Bailey said a call came in shortly before 8 a.m. The caller said explosions and a fireball were coming out of the building.
There was no one inside any of the businesses. The one-story center includes self-storage rental units, a small church and a real estate office.
The owner, Dr. Harold Haralson, said he has owned the property for 18 years. He said it was the first fire ever for the 11,000 square foot building.
“Got the call about 8 a.m.,” Haralson said. “It looks pretty extensive to me. They have not told me much. Just thankful no body was hurt.”
According to Bailey, the building was constructed before fire sprinklers became mandatory, which is why there was such extensive damage to the property.
“I have never seen a building with a working sprinkler system burn down,” Bailey said.
Classen Boulevard was closed to morning motorists to ensure the firefighters’ safety. It was expected to be reopened at mid-morning.
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Photos
Norman firefighters work to contain an early-morning fire at a Norman strip mall on Classen Boulevard.