Parents recall terror, relief after 33 children, 5 staff escape Yukon day care fire caused by crash
By Alyse Jones
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YUKON, Oklahoma (KOCO) — Parents shared their stories of relief after 33 children and five staff members escaped a day care that caught fire Friday.
The fire happened at La Petite in Yukon, near South Mustang Road and West Reno, after a car crashed into the building. Some parents, who were on the way to pick up their children, saw smoke fill the air.
“Our hearts dropped when we saw the smoke and realized what was happening,” Blane Shallenberger, a parent, said.
The fire left holes in the roof, a fence blocking the entrance and it caused the business to close indefinitely. On Monday, parents said they have found childcare replacements.
“It’s hard not to cry, because I remember the way my heart sank,” Jordann Williams, a parent, said.
Panic and fear filled the area until parents saw rows of children waiting in a nearby field. Everyone inside made it out safely.
“Obviously, relief is the biggest emotion I felt. Relief that everyone was OK, and he was OK,” Shallenberger said.
Since that terrifying moment, the day care and the families have been trying to find a place for their children to go.
“We would love to help the families as much as possible. We are opening our doors,” Jana Westberry, owner of Step into Learning, said.
Step into Learning is another childcare center in the area. Westberry said they have stepped up, waiving December fees for families searching for childcare.
“We are praying for that community, and we are there for them however we can stand in the gap,” Westberry said.
Parents told KOCO on Monday that La Petite has been in constant communication, helping them find childcare.
La Petite posted on social media, thanking the first responders, community and everyone who has helped them since the fire. They said next week will determine the next steps for the location.
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