LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A black plume of smoke tore through the Las Vegas Valley skies Thursday afternoon as about 55 motorcycles burned behind a southeast valley dealership, according to Clark County.
Monday morning, FOX5 spotted Clark County Code Enforcement and junk removal crews clearing encampments in the lot behind the dealership, RideNow Powersports near Boulder Highway and Russell Rd.
This comes amid speculation from witnesses on scene Thursday that the fire originated in an encampment in a vacant lot behind the business.
The Owner of the JunkMan, Lou Pavelchik, says his crews were called out to the lot Monday morning for an “emergency clean up” by Clark County Code Enforcement, but that he was not given a specific reason.
Clark County confirmed immediate action was taken following a request by LVMPD due to the “imminent danger” in the area.
Pavelchik says JunkMan crews have cleared the lot near Boulder Highway and Russell Road many times, including after a small fire along the fence of the dealership about three months ago.
FOX5 also spoke with Evelyn Guin, who owns nearby business FlowerEve Gift and Home. Guin first told FOX5 about how encampments in the lot were negatively affecting her business one year ago.
Now, she says the effects on business are worse than ever.
“It very much affects us because customers are afraid to come by,” Guin said. “It’s rough. It’s tough.”
FOX5 asked Clark County for an update on the cause of Thursday’s fire and have not heard back. FOX5 is also working to get in contact with RideNow Powersports.
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