A public works building in Nowata is a total loss after an overnight fire on Jan. 14.
The fire started sometime after 1 a.m., and by about 2:15 a.m,. the main part of the building was completely burned, according to City Manager Melanie Ward.
“All of the water distribution, all of the sewer distribution, parks, maintenance, streets, all of that is housed in this building,” said Ward. “We’re a poor community. We’re one of the poorer ones in the state and this meant a lot to us.”
Ward arrived on scene about 2 a.m., with flames still raging through the building…