Highway patrolman praised for saving family from fire

Firefighters are praising a highway patrolman for saving the lives of a family in a burning downtown apartment Saturday morning.

Las Vegas Fire Department spokesman Tim Szymanski said a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper spotted smoke coming from Luna Properties at 2913 Stewart Ave., near 28th Street, about
6:45 a.m.

The trooper, who was not immediately identified, drove into the complex with sirens on to alert the residents.

A mother and three young children awoke after hearing the sirens and escaped as smoke filled the building. Their kitchen had caught fire and there was no alarm in the apartment.

By the time firefighters arrived, the family had safely evacuated. It took firefighters about 10 minutes to put out the blaze.

The fire caused about $15,000 in damage. The American Red Cross will assist the family.

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at
mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.