Fire officials suspect blaze at counseling center was arson

By Las Vegas Sun Staff (contact)

Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010 | 9:39 a.m.

A fire that caused $100,000 damage to a center that provides substance abuse and mental health treatment appears to have been intentionally set, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue officials said.

The fire was reported about 7:20 a.m. today at the Community Counseling Center in the 1100 block of Almond Tree Lane, near Maryland Parkway and Sahara Avenue.

Fire investigators found evidence that the fire was intentionally set, and the incident remains under investigation, officials said.

Three offices in the counseling center sustained extensive damage, including damage to the roof and attic. There was a smoke odor throughout the rest of the center, fire officials said.

The Milton Erickson Institute, also housed there, was not damaged, but had a smoke odor after the fire, officials said.

A Metro officer on patrol in area saw smoke coming from the counseling center and reported it. Firefighters found the building locked up and had to force their way in to put out the fire, officials said.