Fire guts landmark Okla. site; firefighter suffers heat stress

The Oklahoman

CUSTER CITY, Okla. — One of Custer City's historic landmarks built in 1937 was destroyed by fire Tuesday.

The building known as The Place, in the 700 block of Main Street, had been used as a community center in recent years and was being remodeled by a new owner.

The fire started about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Fire Chief Darrell Hunnicutt said.

The Oklahoma fire marshal's office is investigating the cause, Hunnicutt said.

"It's a total loss," Hunnicutt said. He did not have a damage estimate.

Kay Fischer, Custer City clerk, said the building will be missed.

"It was a nice, beautiful building," Fischer said.

Owner Mary Ann Oyler recently bought the two-story building from the city and planned to keep it as a community gathering place, Fischer said.

Hunnicutt said a Custer City firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion Tuesday.

Surrounding fire departments in Custer County helped fight the blaze, including Arapaho, Clinton, Thomas, Weatherford and Butler.

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