News briefs for August 29, 2005

Monday, Aug. 29, 2005 | 9:39 a.m.

Extreme heat warning issued

The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning until 7 p.m. today for the second day in a row.

Weather Service forecasters predicted today's temperature would reach 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Average temperature for this time of year is 100 degrees.

Weather Service meteorologists also issued an extreme heat warning from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Sunday's temperature reached 108 degrees, two degrees shy of the record set on Aug. 28, 1948.

The unusually hot temperatures resulted after a dome of high pressure parked itself over the Great Basin, covering the state of Nevada.

Woman arrested in complex blaze

Henderson fire investigators have arrested a 20-year-old woman they believe set fire to her apartment complex Thursday night.

Shelly Ann Wells, 20, was taken into custody shortly after firefighters responded to the fire at the Lakewood Cove apartments at 1100 Center St., near Lake Mead Parkway and Boulder Highway about 10 p.m. Thursday. By the time crews arrived, the fire had spread to roof vents in two upper floors.

Firefighters from Henderson and Clark County battled the blaze, which spread to all 10 apartments, for more than two hours but kept it from spreading to other buildings. Damage to the structure was estimated at roughly $400,000, and another $200,000 in contents were destroyed, investigators estimate.

No injuries were reported and Red Cross volunteers were dispatched to provide temporary shelter for those displaced by the fire.

Man critically hirt in cycle crash

One man was critically injured on Sunday when he reportedly lost control of his motorcycle on Fawn Avenue, near Jones Boulevard and Washington Avenue.

Metro Police said alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.

Ramon Cruz, 44, was driving a 2005 Harley Davidson Road King eastbound on Fawn Avenue at 5:30 p.m. when he applied the brake and lost control of the motorcycle, Metro stated.

Cruz was ejected from the motorcycle during the crash, Metro stated.

He was taken to UMC and remained in the trauma center today.