TULSA, Okla. — The famous downtown Tulsa skyline was filled with smoke Saturday evening after a fire burned at the corner of South Lansing and 3rd Street.
The fire burned for several hours, and the Tulsa Fire Department is calling it a 4-alarm fire. The bar and coffee shop Hodges Bend and restaurant Lowood were lost in the fire, as well as apartments above the businesses.
The cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined, but TFD's Andy Little said metal ceilings made fighting the fire more difficult. As a result, crews were only able to fight the fire from outside of the building.
“Right now, we believe the fire originated in or above, on the roof of a restaurant. It has since spread to some adjoining apartment units," Little said. "Unfortunately, a lot of these buildings may have voids because of the time of the construction for different things, so it’s difficult fighting those fires if there are hidden areas where those fires can travel. So, firefighters have to be thorough. They have to spend a lot of time in there checking in walls.”
No injuries were reported.
A couple who lives above the restaurant told 2 News they've heard of a small fire from the restaurant before, but never something of this magnitude.
2 News met with Johnna Hayes from the 3 Sirens Restaurant Group, who started a GoFundMe to help the workers impacted by the fire. To donate, click here.
As of Monday morning, the fund had raised more than $57,000.
"I’m surprised by how quickly it’s gotten there, but it really goes to show how much Tulsa loves those restaurants and how much they love that group and the restaurant community in general," Hayes said.
The ownership group of Lowood and Hodge's Bend released the following statement on Facebook:
"On Saturday evening, the East End Village was struck with tragedy, and our hearts are breaking for our Lowood and Hodges Bend employees as well as for the residents who have been affected by the fire. While we have been struggling this evening and morning, we feel incredibly held by the Tulsa Community. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of love and support you have shown our team."
All profits made by Fassler Hall, Valkyrie, and St. Vitus on Sunday were donated to support the staff of Lowood and Hodges Bend as well.
Those looking for other ways to support the business can visit the owners' other locations including Saturn Room, Vintage Wine Bar, and Topeca Coffee.
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