Historic Ford dealership in Bristow catches fire

Comments Comment on this article11

From Staff and Wire Reports
Published: December 4, 2008

BRISTOW — Townspeople are devastated as an historic downtown Ford dealership burned to the ground this afternoon.

The fire at Bolin Ford, a Bristow landmark on Main Street, started about 1 p.m., a police dispatcher said.


Bristow Ford Dealership. Photo provided by Lauren Lester Allison

Featured Video

Advertisement

At 3 p.m., Lauren Allison, a local attorney and vice president of the chamber of commerce, said she could still see the smoke from her law office window.

“We are simply devastated about this loss,” Allison said. “We’re just without words, but we’re also thankful no one was hurt.”

While no employees were injured, Tulsa news outlets have reported that two firefighters were injured battling the blaze, including one taken to a hospital for observation.

Kathy Wisotsky, whose family owns the business, told the Tulsa World that employees and customers were not hurt. She said her family started the business in 1959.

Students at nearby Edison Elementary School were evacuated to the school gymnasium as a precaution, and a Christmas parade scheduled in downtown tonight was canceled due to the fire.

“We just made that decision about (2:30 p.m.)” Allison said. “It was tough, but we just didn’t think it was appropriate.”


 

Toolbar sponsored by: David Stanley Ford

Hugh Downs Reports:
Natural discovery lowers high blood pressure and cuts artery plaque.
www.bottomlinesecrets.com

Junkmycar.com
Read this Towing & Wrecking Service's reviews & find Auto Info.
Oklahomacity.Citysearch.com

shareView All

Buzz Up!


Leave a Comment

Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online

Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.


Log in below or sign up (it's free).





Wow, I'm shocked to say the least. I'm in Texas now and just now heard the news. My mom worked for Dub for many, many years and I grew up around the dealership. My favorite thing was sitting in the cars, barely able to see through the steering wheel, and drive. I'm glad no one was seriously injured. Kathy, my heart goes out to you and the family.
Laura, Pottsboro - Dec 6, 2008 at 10:47 am
In a few of the pics you can see burnt cars. A mustang in one and a crew cab truck in another, and a few more cars, I'm not sure what they are....
Jonathan, Oklahoma City - Dec 5, 2008 at 3:42 am
Right now there are probably more than a few GM, Ford and Chrysler dealers who wish their building would burn down so they could collect the insurance money and then find another way to make a living.
KA, Dallas - Dec 4, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Report as inappropriate or
Ignore KA
Very sad. My first car, a Ford Pinto, came from that dealership. Their slogan was "Rollin with Bolin." My heart goes out to the descendants of the Dub Bolin Family.
Kathryn, Coalgate - Dec 4, 2008 at 6:04 pm
It's a shame that such a nice old building burned. To the one who wonders how it could catch fire in the middle of the day, well stuff like that happens all the time. Thankfully, nobody was seriously hurt. I live in Misssouri but have several family members in Bristow and am sad for them and their community.
Ray, St. Robert - Dec 4, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Report as inappropriate or
Ignore Ray
I guess kinda like a school did in Jones.
OK, Lahoma - Dec 4, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Report as inappropriate or
Ignore OK
I hope none of the vehicles were damaged. And I am glad everyone is OK.
Robbie-1, oklahoma city - Dec 4, 2008 at 4:52 pm
How in the world, in this day and age, does a big-ass building like that catch on fire? In the middle of the day??
Chris, Jones - Dec 4, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Now they have corrected it. Yay!
Jay, Oklahoma City - Dec 4, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Report as inappropriate or
Ignore Jay

    News Photo Galleriesview all