Photos/Story by DON SPELLMAN, Fire Investigator

On July 29, 2002 at 1930 hours, the Henderson Nevada Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1050 Whitney Ranch Dr. for a report of a structure fire inside the Clubhouse of Montego Bay Apartments.

Prior to arrival, Engine 94 Captain Bruce Evans gave a radio report of heavy smoke showing. Moments later after Engine 94's arrival, Captain Evans gave an updated report indicating smoke and flames were showing and requested a second alarm. The second alarm was filled by the Clark County Fire Department.

The Incident Command System was established immediately with an offensive attack ordered. Moments later, the tile roof, of the 6500 square foot building, began to give indicators (sagging) that the roof was about to collapse and a call to all firefighters to evacuate the building was given by Captain Evans. A defensive fire attack was maintained throughout the remainder of the incident.

A total of 62 firefighters were on scene to combat the stubborn fire, which took 1.5 hours to extinguish.

Fire Investigators on the scene ruled the fire accidental. A recessed "Can" light that had malfunctioned was the cause of this fire. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters. Damage was estimated at $300,000.