Northwest Las Vegas House Fire Ruled Accidental

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Las Vegas firefighters quickly extinguished a fire in a northwest Las Vegas home which started at a computer work station located on the second floor.  No one was home when the incident occurred on May 27th, 2012.  There were no reported injuries.

Fire dispatchers received several calls at 2:22 p.m. that a home in the San Marcos community had some smoke coming from the house.  When firefighters arrived at 11208 Playa Bonita Ave (CC215/Alta), firefighters noticed slight smoke coming from the two story wood frame/stucco home. 

They entered the home and found the fire on the second floor loft that leads to all the bedrooms and overlooks the living room of the house.  Firefighters found a computer work desk on fire and quickly doused the flames.  It appeared the fire had been burned for a while un-noticed by passerby's or neighbors allowing it to get inside a wall and extend into the attic.  Firefighters were able to quickly stop its progress.

The loft area had heavy damage from heat and flame as well as a very small area in the attic.  The bedrooms upstairs had heat and smoke damage and the downstairs of the house had smoke damage.  Damage was estimated at $100,000. No one was home when the fire occurred. 

Neighbors said the family left earlier in the day, but were not aware of where they went.  Neighbors said either four or five people live in the home. Fire investigators ruled the fire accidental, electrical in nature.  The seat of the fire was found in an area which contained at least two power strips and a large amount of wiring for a computer system in the home. 

Electrical fires is one of the leading causes of fires in Las Vegas, quickly becoming the second leading cause, cooking fires are the leading cause.  With the increase of electrical appliances and equipment in homes and businesses, the chances of fire increase. 

The best way to ensure that equipment will not catch fire is to unplug it when not in use.  Electrical wiring, appliances and equipment should receive preventive maintenance and inspections on a regular basis to look for potential future hazards and make any needed repairs or upgrades. May is national Electrical Safety month.



Author:Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Press Release