Tue Sep 17 06:17:18 UTC 2024: ## Popular Tulsa Store Ida Red Damaged by Fire, Owner Says “It’s a Miracle It Wasn’t Worse”
**TULSA, OK** – A fire broke out at the popular Ida Red retail store in Brookside on Monday morning, causing significant smoke damage and forcing the store to close for at least a month.
The fire started around 9:30 a.m. as the first employee arrived for the day, according to owner Angelene Wright. The employee, who was entering the store when they noticed the fire, safely evacuated the building.
The Tulsa Fire Department quickly extinguished the blaze, but smoke damage throughout the store is extensive. Wright said the fire may have caused a total loss of merchandise.
While the fire department is investigating the cause of the fire, they have ruled out arson. Wright said the fire department is reviewing security footage from the store.
“It was definitely a freaky, fluke thing,” Wright said.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire.
The store, located at 3336 S. Peoria Ave., is one of three Ida Red locations in Tulsa, all known for their unique gifts, nostalgic treats, and Oklahoma goods.
Wright, who bought Ida Red in 2016, was named Oklahoma Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration in May.
She is asking customers to support her other stores, located downtown and in south Tulsa, during the Brookside store’s closure.
“We’re going to need the community’s help,” Wright said. “We’re asking that if you can visit our other stores, that would help us out. I’m trying to do everything I can for my employees.”
First Piper 