Fort Washita Landmark Burns To The Ground

[CutBaitNBlowSh*tUp4ALivin]

Devastating! I went EVERY TIME I was down there!

Ill find my reenactment pics tomorrow. Let those who have never been get a tour inside.

 

[crg1372]

Investigators work to determine if Fort Washita fire was arson or accident

BRYAN CO., TX – Several agencies from the local, state and federal levels have begun investigating just what caused a devastating fire that destroyed a historical landmark at Fort Washita, OK.

The South Barracks were the centerpiece of Fort Washita, and Sunday morning they were reduced to charred rubble. Now that the shock has settled in, those who have known and loved the historic building want to know what happened.

"Before we move forward we to have know what the causation factor was, whether it was a criminal act, or an act of nature or a freak situation,” said Ron Petty, Historical Interpreter at Fort Washita.

Oklahoma State Fire Marshall Agent Supervisor James Simmons worked alongside other agents and the ATF Monday as they sifted through the burnt rubble using shovels and tractors.

"When a fire starts in a two story and it goes all the way through the roof, and naturally all the debris from the roof-down falls to the first floor. And we go to the first floor first looking for the lowest point of the burn to try and determine the cause,” said Simmons.

He said it's difficult to tell at this point if the fire was arson or just an accident because they haven’t found an exact point of origin yet. Although they do believe it started on the west side of the barracks near the restrooms.

"The investigation is going on; we have made no determination on whether it was an accident or an incendiary fire. We're not going to guess,” said Simmons.

It could be several days but the agencies are putting a huge amount of effort into finding an answer. Simmons said they’re digging through several feet of charred debris as quickly as they can.

"Because it is historical and because a lot of the folks in the area have been coming here a long time and they do Civil War reenactments here, it is important,” said Simmons.

The Oklahoma Historical Society's insurance won't cover the entire cost to rebuild it. But if the South Barracks can be reconstructed they will do everything they can to raise the money.

"We're going to try and hit the ground running, don't believe we're not. Because we miss it already and it's only been a couple of days,” said Petty.

A structure engineer will first have to come in and evaluate the damage to the remaining stone walls to see if the barracks can be rebuilt at all. If they can, the Historical Society said they will look to fundraisers and the community to help raise enough money to restore the centerpiece of Fort Washita.

As for all other events and reenactments that were schedule at Fort Washita in the fall, Petty said those are all still scheduled to go. But instead of guests and Civil War actors staying the barracks, they’ll have to bring a tent.

http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/103899579.html

Sounds like arson to me. Also, it doesn't appear that the people at the news station are smart enough to know Bryan County is in Oklahoma.

 

[crg1372]

Arrest warrants issued in Fort Washita arson

DURANT, OK - Arrest warrants for three 18-year-old men were issued today by the Bryan County District Attorney's Office for setting the fire that burned the historic barracks at Fort Washita last month.

We received 15-page arrest affidavit from the District Attorney's Office this afternoon, and in these documents three teenagers tell investigators how they trespassed onto the Fort grounds early Sunday morning on September 25th.

One of the suspects, 18 year old Brandon Perkinson of Tishomingo, was the first to come forward to law enforcement and confess after hearing about the fire on the news. He told Sheriff's Deputies that he and two of his friends, 18 year old Skylar Forster of Mill Creek, and an OU student, and 18 year old Travis Taylor of Tishomingo, had been drinking earlier that night. The affidavit states that Perkins told investigators they snuck into the Fort around 2 a.m., took toilet paper from the barrack's bathrooms and set it on fire in the nearby ruins and put it out with cleaning supplies.

The affidavit also has statements from the other two suspects. Taylor and Forsterboth told investigators they went back into the barracks and lit two more toilet paper rolls on fire inside. It states the two tried to stamp it out and left the barracks with the toilet paper smoldering. All three suspects left the scene before the barracks went up in flames.

The two teenswho set the toilet paper on fire inside the barracks, Travis Taylor and Skylar Forster, are charged with a felony of second degree arson. The other suspect, Brandon Perkins, is only charged with a misdemeanor of breaking and entering. As of 6:30 p.m. Thursday, none have the men have yet been arrested.


http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/Arrest_warrants_issued_in_Fort_Washita_arson_104534299.html

 

[CutBaitNBlowSh*tUp4ALivin]

Stupid F'ING teenagers....I LOVED THAT PLACE...Now all I have is Fort Reno...and that place just isnt the same!

 

[crg1372]

Stupid F'ING teenagers....I LOVED THAT PLACE...Now all I have is Fort Reno...and that place just isnt the same!

It was only the south barracks that burned down. I was just out that way the other day and passed by....odd not seeing the barracks standing though.

 

[flatwins]

I suspect some young terds.......

Hopefully they'll rebuild.
A real treasure for that part of the state.
I always wished they'd re-do the whole fort kind of like Ft. Gibson.

Ft. Gibson is nice. Took the kids over there last summer and we enjoyed it.

 

[CutBaitNBlowSh*tUp4ALivin]

It was only the south barracks that burned down. I was just out that way the other day and passed by....odd not seeing the barracks standing though.

That was always my favorite building. Does the visitors center have safe water yet?

 

[CutBaitNBlowSh*tUp4ALivin]

Isnt Ft Gibson far NE? If there is a dam named after it, then Ive fished there lol. I dont remember an actual fort.

 

[crg1372]

That was always my favorite building. Does the visitors center have safe water yet?

Yes it does.

Isnt Ft Gibson far NE? If there is a dam named after it, then Ive fished there lol. I dont remember an actual fort.

Ft. Gibson is outstanding. Google some pictures and take a look.

 

[Old Fart]

I saw the segment on the news last night that said some kids out drinking sit in on fire while tossing around a burning roll of toilet paper.

That's just plain sad.