Probe continues in fire at LV construction site

Monday, Sept. 29, 2003 | 9:40 a.m.

The investigation is continuing into the cause of Friday's three-alarm fire at a construction site in eastern Las Vegas.

Investigators returned Saturday to the scene at 4550 E. Washington Ave., near Lamb Boulevard, after the fire caused an estimated $2.5 million and $5 million in damage to a planned 77-unit senior assisted living facility Friday night, Las Vegas Fire Dept. spokesman Tim Szymanski said.

No one was injured in the fire, which started at 6:30 p.m. Friday and brought 107 firefighters to scene, Szymanski said. The fire was confined to the building, he said.

A Clark County Fire Department arson dog and investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined city firefighters in the investigation on Saturday.

Such an investigation is typical when the losses in a fire are as high as this one, Szymanski said.

The most recent fire that brought in ATF investigators caused $10 million to $15 million in damage at the Firenze luxury apartments at Russell Road and Boulder Highway on Sept. 4. Investigators determined arson was involved, but the investigation is continuing.

East Washington Avenue from Lamb to Marion Drive was closed through Saturday as fire tankers continued to pour water on hot spots, Szymanski said.

Another weekend fire at the Villa Capri Apartments in the 1800 block of J Street, appears to have been deliberately set, fire investigators said.

Firefighters found a small fire on a couch and in a rear bedroom in an upstairs apartment about 5:20 a.m. Saturday, Szymanski said.

Damage was estimated at less than $1,000. There were no injuries.