Fire damages 32 apartment units at complex near the Strip

By Pashtana Usufzy

Published Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014 | 4:30 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014 | 9:50 p.m.

A total of 32 units were damaged as a fire broke out Wednesday in a two-story apartment building a few blocks east of the Las Vegas Strip.

Clark County Fire Department crews were called to a fire at 335 E. Harmon Ave., near Koval Lane, at about 3:50 p.m.

The two-alarm fire sent gray smoke billowing into the sky.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Jon Klassen, the fire began about 3:45 p.m. in a downstairs unit and flames traveled to the attic.

Crews were able to get on the roof, cutting large holes to release trapped heat and smoke while applying water, Klassen said in a statement.

According to Klassen, firestop walls in the attic kept the flames from doing more damage.

Klassen said 32 units were damaged by heat, smoke and water. It is unclear how many residents were displaced, he said. The American Red Cross is helping to relocate affected families.

One resident was taken to the hospital for respiratory distress, Klassen said.

The estimated cost of the damage is not yet available, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, Klassen said.