Las Vegas Arts District fire damages five buildings
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A fire in the Las Vegas Arts District on Tuesday afternoon damaged or destroyed five buildings near Casino Center Boulevard and Charleston Boulevard, disrupting businesses and leaving owners and workers facing uncertainty.
Witnesses told FOX5 they first saw an electrical pole catch fire before flames spread to a storage shed and nearby buildings. Las Vegas Fire & Rescue said its investigation into the cause remains ongoing. NV Energy declined to comment.
Among those affected was Bobbie Mullins, owner of the property at 203 E. Colorado Ave., where she said 16 years of work were damaged in minutes. Mullins has operated Raw Remedies, a natural hair salon, at the site for more than 16 years. She also leases space to the Analog Dope bookstore and has used the courtyard for cultural and entertainment events.
"We bring art, entertainment, and just beauty to the Arts District is what we represent", Mullins said.
Mullins said she was at the property Tuesday afternoon when she heard a loud pop and then saw smoke. She and her staff got out safely, but she said all five buildings were damaged. Her storage shed was destroyed, along with most of her salon products and supplies.
"I’ve experienced shock before, but not in this way. It just felt like I felt helpless, you know", Mullins said.
"What I just keep playing in my head is that I’ve spent most of my adulthood building, you know, this with blood, sweat and tears. And for it to be gone in a matter of minutes, it’s devastating. It’s like losing a child", Mullins said.
The fire’s effects extended beyond the property owner. Mullins said she is worried about her seven employees and other workers at nearby businesses. The fire also destroyed vehicles parked in an adjacent lot.
One of those workers, Sequoia Ramirez of Esther Kitchen, described the strain the loss has placed on working families.
"I’m a single mom. I pick my son up from school every day. I drive him to school on my way to work. You know, I’m just down here to make a living like anybody else", Ramirez said.
Mullins said she is not focused on assigning blame and instead wants to rebuild after the fire.
"I’m just, you know, hoping that the community stands by us and our businesses for any support that we may need", she said.