LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — An assistance center is opening today for the victims of the deadly fire in downtown Las Vegas on Saturday.
Six people were killed and 13 people were injured in the fire in the Alpine Motel Apartments on 9th Street near Ogden Avenue. Several of those people, including a pregnant woman who reportedly jumped from a 3rd story window, are in critical condition. Most of the injuries were caused by smoke inhalation and some people also have fractures.
More than 40 people, including several children, have been displaced because of the fire, which appears to have started in an apartment that was being heated by a stove.
A co-owner of the property, Malinda Mier, told 13 Action News that the the building, which was built in 1972, was up to code. She says that she was unaware that there was an issue with the heating or problem with fire alarms.
Firefighters who responded to the scene say they did not hear any fire alarms upon arrival and several residents are now complaining publicly about the lack of heat and other issues.
Deputy Fire Chief Robert Nolan of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue said on Sunday that there is an active investigation into the fire and investigators are going room to room to check on claims by the residents. He also said that there are no active code complaints against Alpine.
Nevada law requires tenants to notify landlords of issues, including not having heat.
Video posted on social media of the fire showed many people jumping out of the building's windows and thick, black smoke billowed from the building.
City and fire officials held a press conference early Monday morning at the assistance center. During the press conference, the deputy fire chief said there were no open code violations for the building prior to the fire. Investigators will be back on scene this morning to continue their investigation. He also said there the building did not have central heating and they will be looking into the heating for each unit.
The assistance center will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside Dula Gym at 441 E. Bonanza Road. The City of Las Vegas is also urging people who want to help the victims to donate to housing and support programs through the Nevada Community Foundation.
The building is owned by Las Vegas Dragon Hotel LLC. It has 41 units according to the Clark County Assessor's Office. The average rental for an apartment is $700, according to various websites.
The Clark County coroner will release names of victims after identifications and notifications have been made.
