LUTHER, Okla. – A harrowing tale of bravery and determination emerged from the destructive wildfires that ravaged Oklahoma on Friday. Among the many families affected by the fast-moving flames was the Collins family of Luther, who found themselves trapped as the fire rapidly encroached upon their home. However, thanks to the quick and heroic actions of the Edmond Fire Department, the family was saved from what could have been a tragic outcome.
Edmond Fire Department firefighters, led by Brad Powell and Ollie Hicks, were at the forefront of the battle against the wildfires, which had quickly spread across the state. The team had been working for hours, chasing the flames as they moved westward. By the time they reached Luther, the situation had become increasingly dire.
“We’d been chasing the fire down for a few hours,” Powell said, reflecting on the exhausting and dangerous mission. “This one was the most dangerous for sure.”
The team’s original strategy was to contain the flames, but as the fire advanced at an alarming pace, their focus shifted to protecting structures and saving lives. That’s when they encountered the Collins family’s home, which was already surrounded by smoke and heat. The family had been waiting to evacuate, hoping to leave together when their daughter arrived home. However, by the time she returned, the fire had already blocked the driveway, trapping them inside.
“As soon as I got here, things started catching on fire,” said Riley Collins, recalling the terrifying moments.
The family’s front gate was directly in the path of the approaching flames, and the situation quickly escalated. Heather Collins, Riley’s mother, recalled how the fire grew closer by the second. “They were right at our gate, like it was going to hop the road, and then all of a sudden it flared up and they were in our front yard, like right when it was the worst.”
With no time to waste, the firefighters made a critical decision to stay and protect the family at all costs. The Collins family, inside their home, recorded incredible footage of the firefighters’ efforts to save their property. One video showed the firefighters driving through the flames to protect the house, while another captured a firefighter spraying hot spots just outside their window.
“We went around with our hose and put all their landscaping out that was burning up into the eaves of the house,” Powell said. “We made a stand to protect them and their home.”
Despite the intense heat and danger, the firefighters’ swift actions kept the Collins family safe. Though their barn and some landscaping were destroyed, the home remained intact, and the family was able to breathe a sigh of relief when the firefighters informed them it was safe to leave.
The Collins family expressed immense gratitude for the fire department’s courageous efforts, which they believe saved their lives. “We credit Crew #5 for saving our lives,” Heather Collins said.
The quick response and selflessness of the Edmond Fire Department is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders, who put their lives on the line every day to protect the community. While the wildfires caused widespread devastation, the actions of the firefighters in Luther are a testament to their unwavering commitment to saving lives, even in the face of extreme danger.
For the Collins family, the experience will never be forgotten, but they are thankful that they were able to keep their home—and their lives—thanks to the bravery of the Edmond Fire Department.
