Incident number:  9299211            Date:  Dec. 25, 2009            Time of call:  11:56 p.m.

Type of call:  Garage Fire

Correct address: 5192 Loma Verde Ave. (Madre Mesa/Decatur)             CLV Ward:  5

Name:  Sunburst (Madre Mesa South)                     Parcel: 138-13-712-061
                                
Zip:   89108                        District/Phantom: 2121-67                   Number of alarms: One

Building type: Single Family-Residential              Number of stories:  Two                  Units:  

Size:  1,469 sq. ft.                                             When built:   2003    
                           
Construction type: Wood Frame/Stucco             Smoke alarms:  Yes         Sprinklers: No        

Number of occupants:  Adults: Three          Teens (18-13): None        Children: Four

Any injuries: No              How many: None         Type: 
 
Damage estimate: $150,000 
                       
Description of damage:  Garage completely gutted, interior of home heavy smoke damage on first floor, moderate on second floor (contents in living area salvageable), two cars completely destroyed and one other car heavy heat damage.

Cause of incident:  Combustible items too close to heat source-water heater in garage

American Red Cross: Yes            Pets:  One small dog     Status of pets:  OK with family

General information about the incident:   Seven people live in the home and at least five other people were visiting for the holidays and were in the house at the time of the fire. Those in the home smelled smoke and could not find the source. They went around the house looking and when they opened the garage door, they saw fire in the area of the water heater. A car was also parked in the garage along with several items that were recently stored in the garage because of the death of a family member. Fire investigators believe some of those items were stored too close to the natural gas water heater and ignited. Everyone in the house was able to evacuate without injury. When firefighters arrived on scene, heavy flames and thick smoke was showing from the garage. Neighbors said they could hear several small explosions during the fire, most likely from the parked car in the garage and items stored in the garage. Firefighters worked quickly to confine the fire to the garage.  Personal items in the house were saved, but are coated with thick smoke. The American Red Cross is assisting the family; they also received assistance from the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Foundation.