Squatters blamed for fire at vacant house

Squatters are believed to have started a fire at a boarded-up east valley house today that caused about $20,000 in damage, according to Las Vegas Fire & Rescue.

Crews responded about 9:30 a.m. to the two-story house on Sequoia Avenue, near Washington Avenue and Mojave Road, fire department spokesman Tim Szymanski in a news release.

The blaze, which was quickly extinguished, is believed to have been sparked by a warming fire started by squatters, Szymanski said.

Neighbors told authorities the house has been vacant for several months, he said.