Fundraiser aims to rebuild iconic Crystal saloon destroyed by fire

An online fundraiser established shortly after Miss Kathy’s Short Branch Saloon was destroyed by fire on Jan. 16, has already raised more than $2,800 to help rebuild the iconic bar and grill in Crystal.

Two customers were entering Miss Kathy’s Short Branch Saloon, on Crystal Ranch Road, shortly after noon when they noticed smoke rising from the roof, according to Pahrump Valley Fire & Rescue Services Chief Scott Lewis.

They alerted owner Kathy Bragg, who noticed a visible fire from the roof line.

“She made sure everybody was out of the structure and notified 911,” Lewis said.

An electrical issue likely sparked the fire, Lewis said, but the investigation is ongoing. The bar was reportedly uninsured.

About the bar

For 24 years, Miss Kathy’s Short Branch Saloon has hosted community events, including holiday dinners and biker gatherings.

Keith Gott, who organized a GoFundMe page to help rebuild the saloon, said the business had struggled during the pandemic.

“This was Kathy’s sole source of income and due to COVID-19 and the slowdown of the business she was not able to hold an insurance policy that will cover the damage,” he said. “So we are asking you to come together with us as a community to help her rebuild.”

Bragg took care of the Short Branch on her own, Gott said, and has “never asked for anything from anyone.”

“This is a place so many people love and Miss Kathy is not ready to give up, as it means so much to her,” he said. “We appreciate you, and any donation will help. Every penny raised will go straight to the rebuild of the Short Branch Saloon.”

Water supply issues impede firefighters

The town of Crystal is roughly a 25-mile drive from the heart of Pahrump, but fire crews were on the scene in less than 18 minutes, Lewis said. They faced challenges extinguishing the fire because of a lack of water.

The nearest water source is in the town of Johnnie — roughly 9 miles south of Crystal — so crews established a “water supply group” rotation there, Lewis said.

“This is a commercial structure located in a no-hydrant area,” he said. “In this particular case, we brought in an additional apparatus from Amargosa Valley, who brought in water, as well as our Engine 6, so we had a good rotation of water supply but we had to travel a distance to manage that.”

The main body of the fire was knocked down in less than 20 minutes, Lewis said. From there, it was a matter of “overhauling the area.”

“All occupants were accounted for and there were no injuries,” Lewis said.

The main portion of the saloon was destroyed, but crews were able to salvage numerous exposures on the property including a manufactured residence, an amphitheater and a nearby trailer park.

To donate to the bar’s restoration, log on to the GoFundMe site and search for “Help Rebuild the Short Branch Saloon.”

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