News briefs for Oct. 16, 2003

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 | 9:46 a.m.

Man found after fire dies at UMC

A 54-year-old Las Vegas man, found by Las Vegas Fire & Rescue firefighters early Wednesday evening in a smoke-filled apartment near downtown Las Vegas, later died at University Medical Center.

Fire officials and Metro Police are investigating the incident, standard procedure anytime a fatality occurs in a fire, fire department spokesman Tim Szymanski said. This is the city's sixth fire fatality of 2003.

Firefighters arrived at the Park Avenue Apartments in the 700 block of Carson Avenue near Seventh Street about 7:45 p.m. after a report of an apartment fire, Szymanski said.

As firefighters approached the apartment complex, no smoke or flames were visible from the street, fire officials said.

An apartment manager opened the door, and firefighters found a small apartment filled with smoke, Szymanski said.

Within a few feet of the door, a 54-year-old man was found lying on a bed, unresponsive. He was taken by fire rescue crews to UMC's emergency room, where he was later pronounced dead, Szymanski said.

The fire did little damage to the apartment, estimated at less than $5,000. Smoke covered the man, the apartment's walls and all contents, Szymanski said.

The apartments were evacuated for a short time and there were no reported injuries.

Flare found in garbage bin

Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Bomb Squad was called Wednesday to an apartment complex in the 2700 block of Alcoa Avenue, near Sahara Avenue and Teddy Drive, to investigate a military-grade flare found in a garbage bin.

A man told authorities he found the flare and took it home, but became concerned and called police about 1:45 p.m., fire department spokesman Tim Szymanski said.

Bomb squad technicians determined it was a military-grade flare and notified Nellis Air Force Base, which sent a team to retrieve it and dispose of it. Authorities determined the flare was not dangerous.

Part of the complex was evacuated for a short time, Szymanski said.

Boulder City OKs solar lease

The Boulder City Council has approved leasing 350 acres in the city's Eldorado Valley to a North Carolina company that plans to build a solar power plant there.

Solargenix, formerly known as Duke Solar, will pay $550,000 a year for the property after the plant is up and running. The council voted 4-0 to approve the 40-year lease. Mayor Bob Ferraro did not attend the meeting.

The council is scheduled to consider a development agreement and water service agreement with Solargenix Oct. 28.