Blaze destroys Las Vegas home displacing eight people; $200,000 damage estimated

A fire destroyed a Las Vegas home Thursday afternoon, displacing eight residents and killing a dog, authorities said.

City of Las Vegas firefighters were called at 1 p.m. to 2236 Valley Drive, near Lake Mead Boulevard and Rancho Drive, and found flames shooting out of the roof of the one-story home, said Fire Department spokesman Tim Szymanski. Firefighters were alerted by an Emergency Medical Service chief who was driving nearby and saw the smoke, Szymanski said.

A second alarm was soon called bringing a total of 50 firefighters to battle the blaze.

The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes, Szymanski said.

The fire was kept from spreading to neighboring houses, Szymanski said.

Four members of the family were at home at the time of the fire. All escaped unharmed.

Investigators have not determined the exact cause of the fire but believe it started in the garage, Szymanski said.

Damage was estimated at about $200,000.