Structure fires, vehicle collisions dominate Labor Day weekend service calls

Structure fires and motor vehicle collisions made for a busy Labor Day weekend for first responders.

On Saturday just before 5 p.m., Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched to the 1100 block of Bruce Street for a report of a structure fire.

Fire Chief Scott Lewis said upon arrival, crews noticed light smoke conditions emanating from the residence.

“The investigation revealed a kitchen fire had taken place, which was easily extinguished,” he said. “The primary and secondary searches revealed that the occupants were out of the structure.”

The investigation, Lewis said, revealed the fire originated in a kitchen appliance at the home.

“The investigation is suggesting that the fire originated in the area of a toaster,” he said. “We spoke with the occupants and they indicated that they were not using the toaster at the time. We are looking at a possible defective appliance as the cause.”

Several hours later on Saturday, fire crews responded to a home at the 1700 block of East Fremont Street for what appears to have been another household appliance fire.

Upon arrival, fire crews found what was an arcing of the heating element inside of the oven.

Lewis said the crews were able to secure the appliance without any extension or exposure to the primary structure.

On Sunday, fire crews responded to Highway 160 and Calvada Blvd., after a Nye County Sheriff’s Office marked unit was broadsided by another vehicle just after 1 p.m.

The deputy was transported to Desert View Hospital with moderate injuries.

“Upon arrival, we found a two-vehicle accident with a T-bone type collision involving a Nye County Sheriff’s Office vehicle,” Lewis said. “While there was no entrapment, there were injuries, with two patients being transported to the local hospital.”

Roughly two hours later, fire crews were summoned to the Calvada Meadows Airport for another motor vehicle collision just before 5 p.m.

“Upon arrival, we found an accident involving an ATV,” Lewis said. “The rider sustained injuries that were consistent with flight. Mercy Air 21 was brought to the north end of the airport where patient care was transferred. The patient was then transported to UMC Trauma in Las Vegas.”

On Monday, Lewis said fire crews were dispatched for a vehicle fire along the 1900 block of West Irons Street.

Upon arrival, crews found a fully-involved vehicle resting on its side on the property.

“The crew quickly extinguished the fire and there were no immediate exposures,” he said. “The individuals involved were doing some kind of maintenance or mechanical work on the vehicle. They were possibly preparing it to be disassembled. It caught fire and they used a forklift to move that vehicle to another area on the property.”

On Monday evening, fire crews were summoned to the Saddle West Casino for a report of a kitchen fire, just before 9:30 p.m.

“Upon arrival we found nothing showing from the exterior,” he said. “We met with staff from the facility who indicated the smoke was emanating from an interior wall.”

Lewis said further investigation revealed a malfunctioning vent.

“The incident was quickly stabilized and the vent was secured,” Lewis said. “There were no further extensions or injuries reported.”