Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - A three-alarm fire disrupted life for tenants at a senior living complex early Thursday morning.
Fire dispatchers were first notified around 3:30am of a balcony fire on the second floor of the Arthur McCants Manor apartments, on Eastern south of Washington
When firefighters arrived, heavy flames were on the outside balcony of a second-floor apartment and were extending to the balcony of the apartment above. As firefighters started to attack the fire on the outside of the building, a second alarm was dispatched because it was known that senior citizens live in the building.
When firefighters started to receive 9-1-1 calls that some occupants could not get out on their own, a third alarm was requested to bring additional personnel to the scene to assist the occupants. Several additional ambulances were also requested to respond and stand by. A total of 33 fire units with 95 personnel responded to the incident.
Firefighters had to bring a few occupants down by ladder because the hallway was filled with thick smoke. Some occupants evacuated on their own after fire alarms sounded. Some were not aware of the fire in the building and were awakened by firefighters as they went unit to unit to check and make sure everyone was out.
Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control and confine it to the two apartments. Smoke damage was on the second floor and a few other apartments had minor damage due to smoke and water. Damage was estimated at $150,000.
Fire investigators determined the fire started on a balcony due to smoking material. The fire is accidental in nature. The American Red Cross is working with management to determine how many people are displaced because of the fire.