Blaze set with intent to injure firefighters; police investigating
North Las Vegas police detectives are now the lead investigators into a house fire that authorities suspect was set with the intention to injure firefighters.
Police did not release specifics Monday but said two city firefighters suffered minor injuries from a fall while responding to the Saturday fire near Decatur Boulevard and Gowan Road. They were taken to University Medical Center, where they were treated and released for duty that night.
After crews put out the blaze, which started on the second story of a vacant house, fire investigators determined the cause was arson with the intent to injure responders, fire Capt. Cedric Williams said. He said he could not release what led investigators to that belief but said that it was “obvious.”
Fire crews responded to the house in the 3400 block of Strawberry Roan Road just after 4 p.m. Saturday. Twenty-seven firefighters worked to put out the blaze in about 15 minutes.
Graffiti could be seen throughout the downstairs living area and kitchen of the home. Insulation and other debris cluttered the floor.
Police are helping to investigate the crime because they have more resources, Sgt. Tim Bedwell said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Fire Department at 702-633-1102.
Contact reporter Jessica Fryman at jfryman@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0264.
