Fire destroys Tonkawa marijuana facility; Cause under investigation

TONKAWA — Tonkawa police chief Nick Payne said today that the marijuana grow facility, located at 105 N. Main Street, is totally destroyed following Thursday’s fire.

Blackwell and Tonkawa firefighters responded to the call at 9:28 a.m. and were forced into defensive mode by the smoke and flames. (see related story)

Payne said none of the surrounding homes or businesses were damaged.

“We were lucky that the wind was blowing to the west,” he said. “The flames were blown to the open roadway and away from homes.”

Payne said some businesses have elected to stay close for the rest of the week because of the lingering smoke smell.

One Tonkawa firefighter was injured when part of a ceiling and or roof collapsed. Payne said he was treated for burns, bumps, bruises and released.

The Tonkawa and State Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of the blaze. 

According to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority there are 23 licensed marijuana facilities in and around Tonkawa. To view the list click here.