Brush fires darken LV skies

Thursday, March 12, 1998 | 10:41 a.m.

It took four Clark County Fire engines to combat a blaze in an eastern Las Vegas wash, one of two brush fires Wednesday that temporarily blackened the valley's skyline.

Emergency dispatchers were first notified at 3:25 p.m. of the fire in a wash area off Emerson and Eastern avenues, according to spokesman Bob Leinbach. Two engines initially responded, along with Nevada Power employees concerned about area power poles.

Two additional engines responded about a half hour later to control the blaze which continued pumping black smoke skyward.

The blaze was reported to be out by nightfall.

About 8:20 p.m., Wednesday's second large brush fire was reported in the desert area off Pabco and Sunset roads. Details on the fire attack were not available.

Leinbach suggested that Tuesday's fires be considered an extra reminder to residents to clear their properties of any weeds and other brush that could present a fire hazard in the coming months.

"With all the rain we've had, most of the weeds are still green and the ground is still wet," Leinbach said. "The weeds will come out much easier right now. If you wait too long, the ground will be too hard and the weeds can dry out and could catch on fire that much easier."