Stillwater residents fight flames and save RV park from wildfires
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — The Pecan Valley RV Park was almost destroyed by flames, but two residents stayed behind to fight the fires and save their community.
Dan Keller lives at the RV park and stepped in to put his life on the line.
"I never thought about anything. It's when the fire started, I just looked over and I felt like I could handle it," said Keller.
Keller said the winds were strong and the fire was coming towards the park.
Neighbors were in awe when they came back to the lot and saw their homes still standing.
"I just couldn't believe it, I was just like, I was still in shock that it was still standing," said Jeanetta Linder.
Linder recently moved to the RV park and had left town with her husband and animals to escape the wildfires.
Linder said she took a moment to look at her RV before leaving, thinking it could be replaced, but she was hoping it stood strong.
Keller said he and another man named Jay had no choice but to save the park as the wildfires erupted and a propane tank exploded.
"I just walked up to it and pulled the tanks and brought them out to the street and went to the next one, pulled the tanks, got them out, got the water hose, and continued to hose this one," Keller said.
During the fight with the fires, Dan nor Jay lost control and were able to keep the flames at bay.
Jeanetta and the rest of the community say they are in awe of Dan and Jay's bravery.
"Some people might say it's just a camper, but this is our home away from home," Linder said.
Sadly, they were unable to save one home, Eddie's, who is the owner of the RV park.
He did not want to go on camera but said all that matters is that his tenants are safe.
Residents have started a donation page to help Eddie replace what he's lost.
Click here if you'd like to contribute.