Investigators say Moulin Rouge fire was human caused

The fire that tore through a portion of the historic Moulin Rouge in May was human-caused, Las Vegas Fire Department investigators have determined.

But officials still don’t know how the blaze started, spokesman Jace Radke said. They have not been able to rule out arson or cooking by vagrants. The investigation is ongoing.

The May 6 fire destroyed a portion of two-story apartments at the historic site, on Bonanza Road near Martin L. King Boulevard.

The Moulin Rouge was the first racially integrated hotel-casino in Las Vegas.

The blaze forced property owner Olympic Coast Investment to raze the building.

The Seattle-based company took ownership of the property the day before the fire from the bankrupt Moulin Rouge Properties. Olympic Coast was the senior lien holder for Moulin Rouge Properties.

Olympic Coast President John Hossman wouldn't comment Wednesday on the investigators’ findings. He said the property is still for sale and that several bidders are interested in it.