Saturday evening at 5:25 p.m., Golden Valley Firefighters responded to a reported Commercial Structure fire at 2551 Oatman Road.  Motorists traveling on Hwy-40 just north of Shinarump Road called 911 and reported flames showing from the single story office type building.  Assistant Chief Ted Martin reports that fire crews arrived within minutes and reported a fully involved structure fire and that propane tanks were venting, causing the fire to grow rapidly.  Crews arrived and immediately extinguished the fire and cooled the adjacent propane tanks.  A search of the building, which was occupied at the time of the fire, revealed the occupant had left the building and was safe at another location on the property.  Firefighters kept the fire from spreading to other vehicle and boats stored nearby, however the structure and content were a total loss.  A total of 12 firefighters responded to the blaze and there were no injuries. The Golden Valley Fire Marshal is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

For the second time in a week, Golden Valley Firefighters respond to a structure fire that has critically injured a local homeowner.  Fire Chief Tom O’Donohue reports Friday night that a 71 year old female resident at the home located at 1237 South Crista Circle was cooking on when the frying pan reportedly “Flashed” according to the resident who was home alone at the time of the fire.  Firefighters arrived with six minutes of dispatch and reported a home that was 50% involved and found the patient across the street.  The 71 year old female was burned on her hands, arms and facial areas and the kitchen subsequently caught on fire, which spread rapidly through the north end of the home.  Firefighters treated the victim, who was transported to KRMC with critical burns and reportedly later transported via helicopter to the Las Vegas burn center.  Ten firefighters responded to this fire which remains under investigation. No other injuries were reported.

Propane Explosion

PHOTO:  Fire investigators work during the daylight hours to determine the cause of the Monday evening fire.

Monday at 6:36 p.m. Golden Valley Firefighters were dispatched to a fire and explosion in the area of Collins and Hope Road. Upon arrival, Firefighters discovered a fully involved 32-foot fifth wheel trailer approximately 30 feet from a private residence.  Firefighters discovered there were several additional propane tanks next to the burning trailer and there was a burn victim.  The fire was quickly extinguished as paramedics treated a 72 year old male patient who reportedly was inside the trailer lighting the propane stove when the explosion occurred.  The explosion ripped the back of the trailer off, throwing it over a fence and critically burning the occupant who was still inside.  The patient was treated on scene and transported to KRMC, later being airlifted to the Las Vegas Burn Center for treatment.  Crews remained on scene for approximately two-hours managing the scene and extinguishing hot spots. In all, ten firefighters responded. The trailer is considered a total loss, however the home adjacent the trailer was saved, only suffering minor heat damage.  The status of the patient is unknown at this time.

Highway 93 Rollover

Thursday at 12:27 pm, Golden Valley Firefighters treated the 68 year old female driver of this vehicle that was southbound on Hwy-93 at Mile-Post 58 when it rolled. The driver was found sitting outside her vehicle, which rolled at least once before coming to rest on its wheels.  Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle slide sideways on the highway before leaving the roadway and rolling off the west side of Hwy-93.  The driver, who was reportedly wearing a seatbelt, ultimately refused treatment or transport to the hospital.  The cause is still under investigation by DPS.