Fire destroys gym at New Life Ranch

DELAWARE COUNTY, Okla. - About 50 firefighters responded to a fire that ripped through a nearly 13,000-squarefoot gymnasium and an attached apartment at New Life Ranch between West Siloam Springs and Colcord on Friday.

The fire started at about 2 p.m. in the northeast corner of the gym, which is a metal building. An attached apartment with a brick facade was the home for about six interns, said David Jaquess, executive director of New Life Ranch.

“The only thing they have is what they are wearing,” Jaquess said. Their belongings in the apartment were destroyed. No one was injured.

Staff at the ranch were preparing for the arrival of 250 junior high school students from Little Rock and about 70By Jeff Della Rosa Staff Writer ! [email protected]members of the John Brown University choir when the fire started.

“The firefighters got here fast,” Jaquess said. “West Siloam Springs was first on the scene.”

Responders from Colcord, Flint Ridge, Kansas, Oaks, Siloam Springs, Watts and West Siloam Springs assisted in the fire.

Jaquess doesn’t believe the fire is suspicious. Everyone who was at the ranch when the fire started knew each other.

The gym, which was built in 1972, had basketball goals, volleyball equipment and a climbing wall.

Jaquess said 450 members of an area church is expected to spend next weekend at the camp.

New Life Ranch offers a range of programming and services to youth, families, schools, organizations, and churches. The organization’s website is www.newliferanch.com.

News, Pages 1 on 01/13/2013