2 dead, 1 injured in Stanley Street structure fire

An early Wednesday morning structure fire has claimed the lives of two in Pahrump.

Fire Chief Scott Lewis told the Pahrump Valley Times that crews responded to the fire on the 100 block of South Stanley Street about 5:45 a.m. on Oct. 18, as dispatchers reported a significant explosion followed by several smaller ones.

“We radioed a plan for a potential rescue assignment and a ‘blitz attack’ which means laying down a large amount of water in a short period of time,” Lewis said. “The fire occurred in an area without fire hydrants, thus water tenders responded to provide the necessary water flows.”

Fire spreads

As crews arrived on location, Lewis said they found the residence engulfed in heavy fire conditions which extended to vehicles, personal property and additional structures.

“Crews immediately commenced a defensive exterior objective using multiple hand lines and water tenders,” Lewis said. “Once the fire was knocked down, it was determined that we had one injury and two confirmed fatals. Crews contacted Pahrump Buildings and Grounds for heavy equipment to be brought in due to the severe deterioration of the building.”

Initial investigation

Once the area was deemed safe, firefighters entered and recovered the two victims, while the state fire marshal arrived and commenced the initial investigation. The cause of the fire appeared to be accidental in nature, Lewis said.

Additionally, Lewis said that though two people safely exited from the burning structure, one died because they re-entered to try to rescue someone still inside.

Civilian rescue attempt

“It’s our understanding that two people successfully egressed out of the building and were in a safe area,” he noted. “However, one re-entered the structure in order to affect a rescue and was unable to survive the conditions within. That is our understanding.”

Lewis advised that in similar situations, it’s best to remain in a safe area outside in order to provide first responders with additional information as to where the victim may be located inside the residence.

“That is just paramount for us to be successful in any potential rescue assignment,” he said.

Crews remained on scene for more than nine hours. The identities of the victims have not been released. The condition of the survivor was not immediately known.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes