Cell tower catches fire, closes U.S. 95 ramps

A cellphone tower caught fire Monday, shutting down the southbound on and off ramps at U.S. Highway 95 and Jones Boulevard.

According to Las Vegas Fire Department, welders caused a fire inside the tower.

Crews were cautious about putting water on the fire because of the proximity to power lines, fire department spokesman Tim Szymanski said. The fire had mostly burned itself out by the time crews arrived, he said.

The tower, which is leaning toward the NV Energy power lines, will need to be taken down, Szymanski said.

The on and off ramps for U.S. Highway 95 at Jones Boulevard were shut down just before noon Monday and Nevada Highway Patrol said Monday night it was uncertain when they would reopen.

At least one temporary cellphone tower has was brought in to restore service to affected cellular subscribers.

Contact reporter Colton Lochhead at clochhead@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0264.