49°F
weather icon Mostly Clear

17 dogs die when foreclosed homeowner sets fire to house

A fire that sent one person to the hospital and claimed the lives of 17 pets on North Murphy Street Friday evening appears to have been intentionally set by the homeowner, according to a preliminary investigation in the case.

Pahrump Valley Fire Rescue Services were requested to respond to the Dream Chaser Ranch Horse Rescue, located at 3610 N. Murphy St., just after 9 p.m., for a report of a structure fire.

The ranch, owned by Diane Davis, was recently sold at public auction on June 27 after it was foreclosed upon for unpaid debt.

Fire Chief Scott Lewis said the incident began earlier that evening when Nye County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the location for a call for service and soon after had a fire situation requiring additional resources.

“There was a police action that occurred at that residence and turned into a fire incident. So it was initially a sheriff’s office issue that turned into a fire issue,” Lewis said.

When firefighters arrived, heavy fire could be seen coming from within the home. Crews had trouble gaining access to the interior of the residence, however, as the entrances had been barricaded by personal property within the structure.

“Crews tried to make entry, but found that the entrances were blocked using household materials as barricades so they couldn’t get in,” the fire chief said. “They also found an overabundance of personal property stored inside, so it was an extraordinary fire load we think.”

Lewis said a preliminary investigation shows that the blaze was likely intentionally set.

“The investigation revealed, and it’s underway still, it’s not finished yet, but it indicated (it was) an intentional act,” Lewis said.

Once firefighters were able to gain access to the interior of the home, they reportedly discovered 17 dogs dead in the home.

One person was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene before being transported to Desert View Hospital for further care.

No other injuries were reported from the incident.

Sheriff’s Capt. Bill Becht declined to comment on his agency’s involvement in the investigation. He said the incident was a medical issue and therefore no further information would be released at this time.

Nye County Animal Control was also reportedly on scene that evening to collect several horses and other animals found unharmed on the property following the fire.

Though the blaze was extinguished Friday evening, local firefighters were requested to respond to the property a second time Saturday morning after the overabundance of materials in the home re-ignited.

The single-story structure sustained significant damages between the two fires, leaving only what appeared to be structural support beams on nearly three-fourths of the home.

As of Tuesday morning the incident remained under investigation.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.