Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Service crews responded to a structure fire at the intersection of Manse Road and Whirlwind Avenue just before 3 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
All occupants were evacuated safely, as Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Lewis issued an “all hands” response to off-duty firefighters.
Fire department water tenders alternated leaving the fire grounds every few minutes to refill their tanks at the closest fire hydrants and returned to the fire grounds.
Lewis noted that Nye County Animal Control officials were summoned and also responded to the fire.
There were several cats and a dog that were saved and accounted for,” Lewis said. “However, we think that a pet bird and a miniature pet possum were lost.”
Lewis also said that at least one firefighter, identified as Capt. Steve Moody, sustained minor injuries after ceiling materials began collapsing within the interior of the structure shortly after crews arrived on scene and began engaging the fire.
Moody was back on duty at Fire Station One bright and early on Thursday morning.
“It was a large piece of stucco, that probably weighed about 75 to 100 pounds,” Moody said. “It fell on my helmet and kind of tweaked my neck a little bit. I’m OK though.”
Motorists traveling along the streets near the fire grounds actually pulled their vehicles over to stop and observe, as thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the large stick-built home from all parts of the valley, as fire crews fought to control the blaze.
According to Nye County dispatchers and fire crews on scene, oxygen tanks within the home were also exploding, due to the intense heat.
Members of Nye County Sheriff’s Auxiliary blocked off streets in the area limiting access to emergency vehicles only.
Officials from Pahrump’s Wulfenstein Construction Company assisted in the effort by offering an additional water carrying vehicle which helped fire crews establish a continuous water supply to suppress the stubborn, destructive fire.
Check for more details upcoming in the Pahrump Valley Times.
Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes