Oklahoma Firefighter Collapses, Dies at Blaze
SILVER CITY, Okla. -- A volunteer firefighter died late Friday after battling grass fires in the area, officials confirmed Saturday afternoon.
John Adams, 45, of Silver City parked a firetruck along Oklahoma 51 about 10 p.m. and then collapsed. He was pronounced dead at the scene, said Silver City Fire Chief Brutus Beall.
"The fire was almost over and he started talking and just collapsed," Beall said.
More than 600 acres were burned Friday after an arsonist set fires around the small city eight miles west of Mannford.
Fire officials said most of the fires had been contained; however, a few hot spots remained Saturday.
"This isn't a good day. There will be better days," Beall said. "They (reserve firefighters) don't get the praise they should. It's really a commitment and they put their life on the line for no compensation."
Adams had been a reserve firefighter for five years and also worked at Lowe's, Beall said.
Adams had a wife and three children.
"His hobbies were firefighting and horseback riding," Beall said.
Three fires were set about a half-mile apart around 10:30 a.m. Friday, officials said. Two other fires were also set in the area.
No homes or businesses were damaged in the blazes and no injuries were reported.
Crews from nine fire departments responded. A helicopter, 17 brush trucks, three tankers and two pumpers were used.
Authorities are searching for the arsonist.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral services for Firefighter Adams are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mannford, Okla.