‘A day at a time’: OKC homeowner’s faith, family help her overcome home lost in Friday’s fires

Morgan Mayhue stared through the window frame of the life she had. The only things standing were some skeletons of the walls of her northwest Oklahoma City home. 

“It’s devastating, you know,” Mayhue said. “What a day.” 

Mayhue wasn’t home during the fire because she was supporting another family at a funeral. 

“I’m a previous teacher from Millwood Public Schools and we had a student pass, and I was at her service,” Mayhue said.  

Moments later, Mayhue received the call that her home was gone. Only memories remain. 

“Put a lot that we love into that home,” Mayhue said. “Every Friday night we sat down and had movie night on the couch -- kids reading to me every night for thirty minutes on the couch. We had lots of great memories.”  

The Northwest OKC village around her home has raised her two children and four foster children. 

“My house is loud always,” said Mayhue, with a smile. “It’s my life it’s my norm it’s my crazy.” 

On Friday, firefighters fought flames across Oklahoma and the metro as severe winds ripped across the state. Fires destroyed two homes near Northwest 122nd Street and Pennslyvania Avenue, including Mayhue’s house. 

Mayhue’s neighbor, Vanessa Hurte, watched as firefighters clashed with unfair windy conditions. Emergency crews unraveled a high-pressure situation to prevent Mayhue’s fate from spreading. 

“It’s been super scary with the wind,” Hurte said. “The response was just amazing.” 

Neighbor Lee Windham said this community is there for them. 

“We’re gonna stand behind these people and lift a hand or offer a room or whatever it takes.” 

The fire took away Mayhue’s home, but it didn’t touch her village. 

“I have great neighbors,” Mayhue said. “I’m okay. I trust God. I have a village. I have a family.” 

She found humor in her life’s poetic moments. 

“Allstate says I'm in good hands, we’re about to see,” said Mayhue, with a smile. 

Mayhue said she won’t dwell on the images of her destroyed home. She will focus on the memories she’ll continue to capture. 

“I'm grateful that we’re all alive and that we can do it again,” Mayhue said. “Take it a day at a time.” 

Mayhue’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help with temporary housing, clothing, and other essential items.