Fireproof safe burns inside home during wildfires, family loses birth certificates and other valuables
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — It's been a big dilemma for victims of the recent wildfires that devastated parts of Oklahoma. Several families have told News 4 that their fireproof safe boxes burned, and the blaze destroyed all that was inside.
We first introduced you to the Davenports on Wednesday, the couple was pulled from their burning Norman home by firefighters last week.
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Their fireproof safe that had birth certificates, passports, and college degrees was destroyed in the wildfires.
'It truly looked and felt indestructible,' said Jason Davenport.
The fireproof safe was made out of ceramic material that was said to withstand heat, specifically in fire situations, however, that was not the case.
They bought the safe years ago, and saw it in the pile of rubber and ash, hoping their documents inside would be salvageable.
When they went to grab the safe, it crumbled and everything inside vanished.
Captain John Chenoweth with the Oklahoma City Fire Department said all safes aren't fireproof, but some can be fire resistant.
'Friday, it was extreme conditions. Houses burned down, completely down. So like I said, it was extreme conditions, that's why they didn't stay held up,' said Capt. Chenoweth.
Capt. Chenoweth also said fire safes have a rating system.
'You can see on the box, you'll see it can be resistant for up to 30 minutes or can be resistant up to an hour,' he said.
The Davenport's home is a total loss, but their storm shelter was left in perfect condition. Jason says that he wished he would've stored the box inside of it.
'Make multiple copies, say like birth certificates, your taxes, anything like deeds, or a mortgage,' said Capt. Chenoweth.
Jason said the family wants to move forward and start rebuilding, but with no insurance paperwork, there's a long road ahead.
An insurance representative from Brown O'Haver said they advise their clients to store important documents in clear tote bags so it's easy to grab and go in the event of a natural disaster.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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