Fallen power poles in southwest valley leave businesses, traffic signals without electricity

Fallen power poles in the southwest valley Monday afternoon have left businesses and traffic signals without electricity, the Clark County Fire Department said.

About 3:50 p.m., firefighters responded to a report of an electrical problem near South Decatur Boulevard and West Reno Avenue, the department said in a statement. Upon arrival, crews found that two power poles had fallen on the north side of Reno Avenue.

The lines were energized and ignited a pickup truck near the corner of the intersection, the department said. West Reno Ave is closed from South Decatur Boulevard to Cameron Street. It’s unclear whether anyone was in the truck or was hurt.

The statement said electricity and traffic signals are out in the area, including the intersection of West Tropicana Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard. Occupants in businesses surrounding the area are being asked to “shelter in place,” that is, stay within the building until it is safe to leave. It’s unclear how many businesses have been affected.

NV Energy is helping the Clark County Fire Department to remove those occupants.

Traffic in the area is extremely heavy, so drivers are being asked to avoid the area, the department said.

The cause of the downed power poles is unknown.

Contact Raven Jackson at rjackson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Follow @ravenmjackson on Twitter.