United States (Oklahoma) - A meth-lab fire destroyed 11 units at a Tulsa motel across the street from a police station Sunday night, according to authorities. America's Value Inn, on 11th Street just west of U.S. 169, is directly across the street from the Tulsa Police Department's Mingo Valley Division.

Capt. Rick Helberg said the meth-makers' activity in such close proximity to the police station is an example of how brazen and yet inconspicuous they can be using the "shake-and-bake" method.

"With these shake-and-bake methods, they can be in the trunk of a car next to you," he said. "It's not the same issue it was" before the new meth-making method was used.

But the fire risk is the same with the shake-and-bake method as with older methods, Helberg said.

Firefighters arrived at the motel about 9:10 p.m. Sunday to find flames billowing from the first and second floors, Fire Department spokesman Bill French said. No occupants were injured.

Investigators later discovered meth-related items in the rubble, French said.

Damage to the motel was estimated at $400,000, French said.

A man who identified himself as the motel's manager refused to comment Monday until the owner, who he said was out of town, can see the damage when he returns Tuesday.

Information about the suspected meth cooks was not available.

In June, police investigated an anonymous tip that led them to find another meth lab at the same motel.

Three narcotics officers who were

exposed to fumes from the lab were decontaminated at the scene but did not require treatment at a hospital.

Sunday's fire was Tulsa's third meth-related fire this year, police Capt. Jonathan Brooks said.

Written by Tulsa World