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At least six killed, 13 injured in one of Las Vegas' deadliest fires

Posted at 10:57 AM, Dec 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-21 13:28:21-05

LAS VEGAS – At least six people were killed and 13 were injured in a fire at a three-story apartment building in downtown Las Vegas early Saturday morning, according to Las Vegas Fire and Rescue (LVFR).

LVFR says another 30 to 35 people were displaced as a result of the fire at Alpine Motel Apartments on 9th Street near Ogden Avenue. Some displaced by the fire were taken to the nearby Las Vegas Academy to receive help.

Fire officials say they responded to the scene at about 4:13 a.m. after receiving reports of people seen jumping out of second floor windows to escape the flames. LVFR spokesperson Tim Szymanski says one of the people that jumped was a pregnant woman and she's listed in critical condition.

According to Szymanski, the fire was basically contained to one unit on the first floor and the cause of the blaze appears to be accidental at this time.

Investigators believe the fire started in the area of a stove. People who lived in the building told officials that there was no heating and some residents used their stoves for warmth, Szymanski said.

Officials say damage is currently estimated at $475,000.

Besides the MGM fire in 1980, this may be the deadliest fire in the history of Las Vegas and Clark County. The MGM Grand fire killed more than 80 people.

The fire remains under investigation by Las Vegas police and the Clark County Coroner’s Office.

This story was originally published by Sean DeLancey and Joyce Lupiani at KTNV.