Las Vegas, NV — A towering blaze ripped through an apartment complex under construction in North Las Vegas early Tuesday morning, sending black smoke billowing across the valley and leaving behind a scorched scene of destruction.
Fire Ignites Just Before Sunrise
According to a North Las Vegas Fire Department news release, the fire was reported shortly before 7 a.m. at 6500 N. Fifth Street, near Centennial Parkway. When crews arrived, they encountered heavy flames and smoke pouring from several three-story apartment buildings still under construction.
“I saw the smoke, called my husband, my son, and I was like, ‘I think the community is on fire,’” said nearby resident Tiffany Oleary.
Fire Spread Fueled by Dry Weather and Wind
Due to the intensity of the flames and strong morning winds, North Las Vegas Fire initiated a second alarm, summoning assistance from Clark County and Las Vegas fire departments to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
Drone footage from 8 News Now later captured three severely burned buildings at the scene.
“Nobody lived there yet, so I didn’t think anybody got hurt,” said neighbor Joseph Brooks. “I’m sorry about the worker getting hurt, but it was an empty apartment. They were ready to rent there.”
One Worker Seriously Injured, Firefighter Hospitalized
A construction worker was injured when he jumped from an upper floor of one of the burning buildings. He was transported to University Medical Center with potentially life-threatening injuries.
A North Las Vegas firefighter was also taken to Centennial Hills Hospital for a heat-related illness but has since been released, according to Kathleen Richards, city communications manager.
Inspection Was Scheduled for Same Day
City records show an inspection of the site was scheduled for Aug. 4, but rescheduled for the day of the fire, according to Richards. The inspection was routine, meant to assess insulation, drywall, and sheer walls in the unfinished structures.
Road Closures and Ongoing Assessments
As of Tuesday afternoon, northbound 5th Avenue remained closed at Centennial Parkway. Fire crews were evaluating surrounding buildings for heat-related damage, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The North Las Vegas Fire Department advises any homeowners who notice heat damage to call the Fire Investigation Division at (702) 633-1102 to assist with insurance documentation.
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