Flames Race Through South Tulsa Apartments

Last year, over 500,000 fires caused over $10 billion in property damage in the United States alone. Most of these losses are direct ones, and although many people assume that the flames themselves are the most serious hazard, water and smoke can be even more destructive. Latent moisture nearly always causes mold buildup in unseen areas, a condition that often creates future legal issues in terms of both property damage and personal injury. Smoke damage can be even more extensive. Ashes cause discoloration on some surfaces within just a few minutes, and even fiberglass and metal often tarnishes in a few hours or days. In addition to corrosion, smoke nearly always causes unpleasant odors that seep into carpet, bedding, linens, and furniture; in many cases, such odor can render the space uninhabitable under Oklahoma law and justify lease abandonment. Fires also often mean secondary or indirect losses. Damaged structures are also tempting targets for vandals, looters, squatters, and other individuals who, at best, have no interest in preserving the property. There are additional concerns as well. For example, if children decide to “play firefighter” in the abandoned structure and are injured, liability could attach to the landowner under the attractive nuisance rule.