Fallen tree downs power lines, sparks fires

Nearly 1,500 NV Energy customers were without power for about three hours this morning after a tree fell onto a transformer, sparking several fires, according to the Clark County Fire Department.

Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Buchanan said firefighters responding about 5:20 a.m. to a tree fire near Stratford and Glen Avenues found that fallen power lines had electrified a chain-link fence and ignited several other debris fires.

A homeless encampment and a family in a trailer living near the intersection were evacuated, and power was shut off in the area off Boulder Highway and Sahara Avenue until fires were extinguished.

The intersection was closed to traffic for about 90 minutes.

Las Vegas Sun reporter Jesse Granger and the Associated Press contributed to this report.