5 Fires Break Out in Las Vegas: Police Suspect Homeless

The recent heatwave has hit America very hard, sparking fires, causing heat-related illnesses, and destroying lives. On June 26, one such fire broke out in a vacant Las Vegas apartment complex and stayed ablaze for about 10 hours as firefighters attempt to put out the flames. While the heat wave likely contributed to the size and spread of the fires, authorities are now convinced that the fires were intentionally set by homeless individuals in the area.

The fire department was informed about the first fire at around 7:41 PM. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but police suspect it could’ve been a case of arson. The fire resulted in about $35,000 in damage. As investigations were underway, three more fires broke out over the next six hours, none of which appear to be related to the others.

One concerned citizen who was interviewed for a news story pointed their finger at city property owners who allow homeless people to inhabit vacant buildings, commit crimes, and damage nearby areas. Failing to monitor these properties, according to the citizen, creates a chronic nuisance in neighborhoods with negligent property owners.

Despite these sentiments, city officials have been working with property owners to find solutions.

While the fires all caused substantial damage, none of the fires caused any injuries.

Who is Liable for Fire Accidents in Las Vegas?

You might be wondering – does that concerned citizen have a point? Under Las Vegas law, property owners do have a legal duty to secure and monitor their property buildings, even if they’re vacant. In other words, property owners who fail to protect their property could be held legally liable for the fallout in the event that someone did get injured or suffered property loss after one of these types of fire events.

Knowing these issues are common in the Las Vegas area, reasonable property owners are expected to monitor their buildings on a regular basis. They shouldn’t allow homeless groups to camp in their buildings for long periods of time, start fires, or build shelters in unsafe areas.

How to Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Fire Accident

Have you recently suffered losses after a fire accident like the one described above? If you were injured or you suffered property damage, then you might have a few different options for getting compensation. Depending on your situation, a homeowner’s insurance policy might cover the costs of repairing any property damage. If not, then it might be best to determine if a negligent property owner could get held liable for your losses.

If you’re considering doing so, then we advise consulting with an attorney first. A good lawyer will help you determine if you have the basis to seek out a legal claim and assist you with your next steps if you do have a case on your hands.

If you’re ready to see if you’re eligible for compensation and you’re in the Las Vegas area, then leave your contact information on our form now to get in touch.