LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Investigators have ruled arson as the cause for an apartment complex that caught fire while it was under construction earlier this month.
The Clark County Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms held a press conference on Wednesday morning to update the ongoing investigation into the fire that started late on Jan. 18 at 5055 South Fort Apache Road, near Tropicana Avenue.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing but their findings have ruled the cause of the blaze to be arson and are offering a $10,000 reward for information regarding the person or persons who started the fire.
Crews that evening on the initial response elevated the call to a third alarm as the fire grew at the complex due to windy conditions that sent embers into nearby neighborhoods.
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The Clark County Fire Department said firefighters were able to knock down the flames at about 1:50 a .m. after initially responding to the fire just before midnight.
Smoke and flames were seen throughout the southwest part of town when the fire was active and a total of 87 personnel responded. CCFD initially reported estimated damages were between $30 to $40 million at the apartment complex.
CCFD Deputy Fire Chief Warren Whitney said crews did an outstanding job that night canvassing the exposed neighborhoods and surrounding areas in preventing any other residences from catching fire.
The investigation is being led by the Clark County Fire Department. A national response team with ATF is assisting in the case.
Anyone with further information was urged to contact 1-888-283-3473 or email ATFtips@atf.gov.
