Fire that damaged part of roof of Las Vegas Club believed to be arson

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002 | 9:48 a.m.

Las Vegas fire investigators said Wednesday they believe a fire that damaged the roof of the Las Vegas Club was intentionally set.

Thick black smoke could be seen across the Las Vegas Valley from the fourth-floor roof of the hotel at Fremont and Main streets about 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

There were no injuries.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, they called for more equipment and manpower. The two-alarm fire brought a total of 20 units with 65 firefighters to the scene, fire department spokesman Tim Szymanski said.

After investigators ruled out any accidental cause, they said that it appeared the fire was deliberately set, Szymanski said.

There are a number of places where people could access the site, he said.

It could take months before arson investigators piece together the circumstances leading to the fire, Szymanski said.

"Right now investigators are questioning hotel employees and anyone who may have seen someone at the time of the fire," he said.

Investigators will also check with hotel security to determine if there is a videotape of the area.

Damage from the fire is estimated at $5,000.

Part of the roofing paper was destroyed and there was minor heat damage to a satellite dish mounted on the roof along with the wiring to the dish.

Firefighters were able to prevent the flames from entering the hotel, Szymanski said. Smoke did enter the building and was removed by large fans.

Because of the smoke, the hotel was evacuated for about an hour.