Editorial: Independent review of fire a good call

Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002 | 8:32 a.m.

After receiving a report Monday prepared by the Clark County Fire Department regarding the Oct. 15 fatal fire at the AeroTech model rocket plant, County Manager Thom Reilly called for an independent review. His decision to have the state fire marshal's office probe the fire department's actions before, during and after the fire is commendable. A third-party review is just what the public needs in order to be assured that all the facts and allegations were checked and double-checked before a final report is accepted.

The fire near Sahara Avenue and Boulder Highway killed one plant worker, injured two others, and caused $12 million worth of property damage. After the fire, questions arose when former fire department spokesman Steve La-Sky alleged the department had shredded pertinent documents. There were other questions about the department's inspections of the plant before the fire. The department itself plans to forward information to the Clark County District Attorney's office regarding possible criminal negligence on the part of plant officials. With so many issues surrounding such a high-profile fire, Reilly made the right call to the right agency.