12 People Displaced by Apartment Fire | News

LAS VEGAS -- Nine adults and three children are homeless after a fire at the Paradise Spa Apartments near Las Vegas Boulevard and Silverado Ranch Boulevard Friday afternoon. The fire was reported about 4:20 p.m. The fire got so bad, firefighters called a second alarm.

The blaze tore through one building, sparking concern and peril.

"My neighbor actually came beating on the door, and was like, ‘You need to get your kids and get out,'" displaced resident Olivia McKee said.

McKee grabbed her children and ran as the fire quickly engulfed her building. "By the time we got out, the whole outside was black," she said.

Fifty four firefighters from Clark County and Las Vegas raced to the rescue.

"Units made an aggressive attack. We sent companies inside with hose lanes. We sent a truck company up to the roof," said Clark County Fire Department Deputy Chief Erik Newman.

Chuck Hiatt's apartment was feet from the burning building. "It was hot. You couldn't have been standing here," he said. "My neighbor's dog was barking and raising hell."

"(My neighbor) looked up to see what was wrong, and he told me that we had a fire and to call 911," Hiatt said. "It was a good burn. I'm telling you."

Hiatt, a former firefighter, grabbed a hose and sprung into action, stopping danger from jumping over to his home.

"I was pulling up. I thought it was our building. I was worried about the animals," neighbor Taina Martinez said.

Her apartment was safe. A building away, firefighters fortunately saved the life of a cat.

"We got these pet masks that were given to us, just for this purpose," said Clark County firefighter Anthony Stosich.

Panting from the intense heat and smoke, the furry feline was revived and given oxygen, lucky to have nine lives.

Meantime, the blaze may have badly damaged McKee's home, but her church family is comforting her through this tough time.

"This is our family. We wanted to make sure we're here," said Solid Rock Christian Church Pastor Grace McKinley.

Four units were damaged by the fire and another three had damage from smoke, water and firefighting efforts. Of the seven units affected, four were vacant. The damage is estimated at $275,000.

The American Red Cross is helping all of the fire victims with food and shelter. Fire investigators say they are working to determine a cause.