News briefs for Sept. 22, 2003

Monday, Sept. 22, 2003 | 11:09 a.m.

Fire started in restaurant attic

The fire that destroyed five businesses and caused more than $1 million in damage started in the attic of a popular restaurant, fire investigators announced. The cause of the fire is still is under investigation.

The attic directly over the kitchen of Sonio's Cafe & Rotisserie Restaurant was consumed by the fire. Investigators do not believe the blaze originated in the cooking area, according to a news release from the fire department.

Fire investigators believe the fire burned undetected before a passerby reported smoke coming from the building at 5:04 a.m. Sept. 12.

When firefighters arrived, the roof of the building was caving in just as firefighters ascended the roof. Within minutes, the fire was burning over the entire attic area, which was over five businesses: Sonio's; Campbell Printing, The Frame Shop; The Upper Ear and Camera Tech. All of the businesses and their contents were destroyed.

It took more than 95 firefighters about one hour to bring the fire under control. Firefighters stayed several more hours pouring water on numerous hotspots before investigators could enter the building on Saturday.

Investigators from the federal Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Clark County Fire Department and the Nevada State Fire Marshal's Office assisted the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue with the investigation.

Man may have drowned in lake

A 22-year-old Las Vegas man was presumed drowned Saturday afternoon at Lake Mohave, authorities said.

Noah Rosenblum and several friends were jumping off a houseboat into the lake, Lake Mead National Recreation Area officials said. Rosenblum did not surface after one jump and was presumed drowned after divers and search crews could not locate his body.

Rosenblum had lived in Las Vegas for four months after moving here from California, officials said.