LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Hundreds of people are displaced and at least 10 buildings were burned in an overnight fire in downtown Las Vegas Sunday, according to Las Vegas Fire & Rescue public information officer Tim Szymanski.
Two people who evacuated their condo overnight said they left without shirts, phones, or any of their belongings. They said that their condo was deemed "uninhabitable," and they are not sure if their car is burned.
People said they saw neighbors clinging to their cats and dogs as they ran out.
Just talked to two people who evacuated their condo overnight- without shirts, phones, or any of their belongings. They say their condo is deemed “uninhabitable” and they’re not sure if their car is burned. They saw neighbors clinging to their cats and dogs as they ran out.
— Kelsey McFarland (@KelseyMarie_TV) June 19, 2022
The exact number of buildings, condo units, businesses and vehicles that were damaged or destroyed has not been determined by officials.
At least 100 people went to an evacuation center at Hollingsworth STEAM Academy on E. Ogden Ave, according to authorities. Several other residents went to a nearby motel.
Szymanski says a Las Vegas Fire & Rescue crew returning to their station from a previous call noticed a large column of smoke around 1 a.m. on E. Charleston Blvd.
As they approached, fire crews say they found a building under construction inside a condominium complex on 200 Tower St. engulfed in flames, threatening several nearby occupied condos.
Szymanski says firefighters woke nearby residents, telling them to evacuate as soon as possible.
Authorities say a NV Energy power pole near the building caught fire, falling and bringing down several power lines which led to a large power outage downtown.
As the fire continued to grow due to brisk southwest winds, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue crews say they called in additional units from Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Clark County.
By 6 a.m., fire crews had most of the fire under control, but they'll be on scene all day mopping up flare-ups and hot spots.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
According to Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, this is the largest number of occupied dwelling units involved with fire at the same time in the city of Las Vegas for the past 25 years.
The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada said they have been helping those affected by the downtown Las Vegas fire providing water, snacks, toiletry items and access to a save place to stay tonight if needed.
Red Cross volunteers and staff said they remain at the Hollingsworth Steam Academy to offer assistance.
The City of Las Vegas also thanked the fire personnel who responded to the fire on Twitter.
Thank you to the approximately 50 fire units with 150 fire personnel from @lasvegasfd, @NLVfiredept and @clarkcountyfd who responded to the four-alarm fire in #DTLV early this morning.
— City of Las Vegas (@CityOfLasVegas) June 19, 2022
This is the largest fire in city limits for the past 25 years. pic.twitter.com/qL0XItCTEe
