Het verhaal
A large fire tore through property in the Las Vegas Arts District on Tuesday, Aug. 18, damaging longstanding small businesses that neighbors described as a cultural hub downtown.
Las Vegas Fire & Rescue began receiving multiple calls at 12:31 p.m. for a fire at a one-story, garden-style complex at 1300 S. Casino Center Blvd., FOX5 reported, citing fire officials. Callers said flames had spread to more than one building, and the incident was upgraded to a two-alarm assignment. Officials said crews extinguished the fire in a little more than 10 minutes. No injuries were reported.
Bobbie Mullins, 46, has operated Raw Remedies, a natural hair salon at 203 E. Colorado Ave., for more than 16 years and also leases space next door to Analog Dope, a bookstore. She told the Review-Journal she smelled smoke, heard a loud pop and watched the blaze spread. “It’s just so traumatic and devastating,” she said. Mullins said the fire appeared to have started at a light pole at the back of the property. Las Vegas Fire & Rescue had not released a cause on Tuesday; FOX5 later reported the department’s investigation remained open and that NV Energy declined to comment.
FOX5 reported the fire damaged or destroyed five buildings, including the salon and bookstore, and destroyed vehicles parked in an adjacent lot. Mullins said most of the salon’s products were lost and that she was still checking whether her insurance would cover the damage. She also searched for Samson, a 10-year-old black calico cat born on the property. Client Tonya Stephens told the Review-Journal she expected Mullins to rebuild: “This is just a setback for an awesome setup.” Analog Dope co-founder Rachelle Luster said in an Instagram video quoted by Las Vegas Weekly that the damage was extensive and the store would not be able to operate. FOX5 reported a community fundraiser is scheduled for Sept. 3.