A massive fire broke out on Friday morning near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus, destroying a two-story commercial structure and damaging at least eight businesses, according to officials, as reported by Fox5.
Eyewitness Accounts and Fire Response
Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the vicinity of the UNLV campus. Firefighters received the first reports of the blaze just after 8 AM and quickly responded to the scene, where they discovered a substantial fire and thick smoke emanating from the roof of the building.
Thomas Touchstone, senior deputy fire chief, confirmed that investigators are currently probing the cause and origin of the fire. “At least eight establishments were impacted and destroyed,” he stated.
Impact on USPS Operations
Among the businesses affected by the fire was a USPS facility, which suffered damage as a result. According to USPS officials, the fire has disrupted operations, and customers are now being directed to the Paradise Valley Post Office for their mail. “Any mail that was not picked up before the fire was destroyed,” a USPS representative noted.
Firefighting Efforts and Safety Measures
In response to the unfolding situation, firefighters activated a third alarm and focused their efforts on the building’s north and south wings. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials assisted with traffic and crowd management and facilitated building evacuations in the area.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported due to the fire. Clark County firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze shortly after 9 AM. UNLV officials confirmed that there was no threat to the campus, although Maryland Parkway was closed between University Road and Harmon Avenue during the emergency response.
