LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Investigators found a large illegal kitchen operation inside a home after a fire, and health officials tell FOX5 it was being run by street vendors coming from out of state.
The fire occurred May 1 in a home on Carey Avenue, and according to North Las Vegas officials, it was caused by an electrical issue.
Fire officials alerted the Southern Nevada Health District. Photos given to FOX5 by the agency show rotting food in fridges with cross-contamination, and food items all over the damaged floor. Photos show commercial equipment across the property.
“These are photos you can smell,” said Larry Rogers, the SNHD environmental health manager, who explained the dangers of illegal commissaries. “They’re not protecting food, or they may or may not be protecting food from contamination. they may or may not be holding food at a proper temperature. They may or may not be cooking foods at a proper temperature. There’s industry standards, and when they’re not inspected, and there’s no oversight by anybody, things get missed, and people get sick. That’s why they’re dangerous,” Rogers said.
North Las Vegas officials tell FOX5 the homeowner was cited for illegally operating a business inside the residence.
Rogers said street vendors coming from California have been renting homes and converting them into illegal kitchens or “makeshift commissaries.” Clark County officials also gave FOX5 an image of another illegal kitchen in the Valley. FOX5 asked SNHD officials and Clark County officials about the scope of the problem and how many of these homes exist, though the scale seems unclear.
According to advocates for local Las Vegas street vendors and county officials, since last year, the Las Vegas Valley has seen an influx of sellers, many selling tacos and meat, after Los Angeles enacted penalties for vending along tourist corridors. County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, who also sits as chair of the SNHD board, says many California street vendors incorrectly believed that the 2023 passage of Senate Bill 92 automatically legalized street vendor activity.
Kirkpatrick and other officials note that many long-time Las Vegas local street vendors sell corn and fruit, which are considered “low risk” but do need proper permits to operate legally. Rogers encourages such vendors to meet with SNHD officials to determine what or if any additional equipment or upgrades are needed. Clark County held a workshop Thursday to break down requirements for a business and health license.
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