A massive fire erupted early Friday morning near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus, devastating a two-story commercial building and damaging at least eight businesses. The blaze, first reported shortly after 8 a.m., quickly escalated, prompting firefighters to sound a third alarm and focus their firefighting efforts on both the north and south wings of the structure.
According to senior deputy fire chief Thomas Touchstone, the fire originated in a commercial building situated close to the UNLV campus. Eyewitnesses observed thick smoke billowing from the location, raising immediate concern among nearby residents and students. Firefighters swiftly arrived at the scene and battled intense flames emanating from the building’s rooftop.
The destruction impacted a variety of local businesses, including a United States Postal Service (USPS) facility housed within the complex. Officials from the USPS confirmed that operations at the affected post office have been temporarily relocated, directing customers to the Paradise Valley Post Office while investigations continue. Unfortunately, any mail that remained uncollected prior to the fire was destroyed, as reported by USPS representatives.
Local authorities coordinated a large-scale emergency response, with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department managing traffic, crowd control, and evacuation procedures in the surrounding area. Maryland Parkway, a major thoroughfare near the site, was closed between University Road and Harmon Avenue to ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting efforts.
Despite the severity of the blaze and the extensive property damage, no injuries were reported. Clark County firefighters successfully extinguished the fire by around 9 a.m., and UNLV officials confirmed there was never a threat to the campus itself.
An investigation into the cause and origin of the fire is currently underway, with federal agencies also involved due to the involvement of the USPS facility. As the community grapples with the aftermath, affected business owners and residents are beginning assessments of the damages and planning recovery efforts.
This devastating incident underscores the importance of fire safety and rapid emergency response in densely populated commercial areas. While the fire caused significant economic loss, the swift action of emergency personnel prevented potential harm to individuals nearby, highlighting their vital role in protecting the Las Vegas community.
