Fire in Henderson home displaces 11 people

By Mary Manning

Thursday, May 1, 2008 | 4:54 p.m.

A fire apparently started by a 5-year-old boy playing with a lighter displaced 11 people from a home today, Henderson Fire Department Battalion Chief Doug Koopman said.

About 11:43 a.m. Henderson firefighters responded to a fire near Boulder Highway and Texas Street, Koopman said.

Flames spiraled from a window and smoke poured from the home at 79 Atlantic St., as firefighters arrived, Koopman said.

Three adults were treated at the scene for burns and smoke inhalation and a total of 11 adults and children were left homeless, Koopman said. The American Red Cross and the Southern Nevada Burn Foundation are helping the people involved in the fire. One cat also perished in the blaze, Koopman said.

Damage is estimated at a minimum of $100,000, Koopman said.