LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A fire that tore through the Las Vegas Arts District Tuesday afternoon damaged or destroyed five buildings, including a longtime hair salon and bookstore, leaving business owners and employees facing an uncertain future.
The fire happened near Casino Center Boulevard and Charleston Boulevard. Witnesses told FOX5 they first saw an electrical pole catch fire before the flames spread to a storage shed and nearby buildings.
For Bobbie Mullins, the owner of the property at 203 E. Colorado Ave., the damage represents the loss of 16 years of work.
The damage is visible across the property, but for Mullins, the loss goes far beyond the buildings. She spent 16 years building what she describes as a cultural hub in the Arts District — only to see it disappear in a matter of minutes.
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“We bring art, entertainment, and just beauty to the Arts District is what we represent,” Mullins said.
Mullins has operated Raw Remedies, a natural hair salon, at the property for more than 16 years. She also leases space to the Analog Dope bookstore and has hosted cultural and entertainment events in the property’s courtyard.
Now, much of that is gone.
“I’ve experienced shock before, but not in this way. It just felt like I felt helpless, you know,” Mullins said.
Mullins said she was at the property Tuesday afternoon when she heard a loud pop and then saw smoke. She and her staff were able to escape safely, but the fire damaged all five buildings.
She said her storage shed was destroyed, along with most of her salon products and supplies.
“What I just keep playing in my head is that I’ve spent most of my adulthood building, you know, this with blood, sweat and tears. And for it to be gone in a matter of minutes, it’s devastating. It’s like losing a child,” Mullins said.
The impact extends beyond Mullins.
She said she is concerned about her seven employees and other workers at nearby businesses. The fire also destroyed vehicles parked in an adjacent lot.
One employee, Sequoia Ramirez of Esther Kitchen, said the loss has created another layer of uncertainty for working families.
“I’m a single mom. I pick my son up from school every day. I drive him to school on my way to work. You know, I’m just down here to make a living like anybody else,” Ramirez said.
Witnesses said Tuesday that the fire appeared to begin at an electrical pole before spreading to the surrounding structures.
Las Vegas Fire & Rescue confirmed its investigation into the cause remains ongoing. NV Energy declined to comment.
Mullins said she is not focused on assigning blame. Instead, she hopes to rebuild and continue serving the community that has supported her business for years.
“I’m just, you know, hoping that the community stands by us and our businesses for any support that we may need,” she said.
Businesses in the Arts District are now coming together to support those affected. A fundraiser is scheduled for Sept. 3, and community members and staff have also started a GoFundMe.
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