[Photograph 2012.201.OVZ001.6047]

Photograph used for a story in the Oklahoma City Times newspaper. Caption: "Firemen Tuesday were digging through the smouldering ruins of three business firms destroyed by a blaze Monday night that caused damage estimated at $500,000. Smoke was still drifting out of the basement of the Fryberger and K of C buildings in the 200 block S Bickford that housed the C. R. Anthony store, the Brinkley furniture store and the Parks Furniture and Appliance Co. The fire broke out about 6 p.m. Monday and raged for six hours before it was brough under control. City Hall Damaged Firemen were chiefly cornered Tuesday over the K of C building, which they declared is "just a shell and might fall at any moment." They blocked off the area and were preparing to lower the walls before they tumble. The fire, famed by mild south wind, spread to the city hall, causing minor smoke and water damage to the fire department. The firemen's living quarters were threatened for a while, but the blaze was quickly brought under control. Cause of the fire was not immediatley determined, but it is believed it broke out in the basement of the Parks store, probably by spontaneous combustion...Two firemen were overcome by smoke but were revived. Fireman Ralph Jones also was cut by flying glass. The police station radio system was knocked out by the blaze and highway patrol units were assisting the police department in the handling of call Tuesday...Fire fighting units from Oklahoma City, Bethany, and Yukon were sent in to assist El Reno firemen. A number of national guardsmen and El Reno reformatory employees also assisted the firemen in battling the blaze...The fire also destroyed a dance studio in the Fryberger building and several unoccupied offices. Fire left this damage in its wake Monday night in downtown El Reno.