Henderson, Nevada -- At approximately 5:45 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2005 Henderson Fire Department units responded to a report of a structure fire in a large home under construction at 1761 Harpsichord Way. This was a two story, single family dwelling in the stick phase of construction, located in the area of Horizon Ridge and Roma Hills.

The first fire department unit arrived at approximately 5:51p.m. to find the heavy smoke and fire showing from the entire structure. The home owner stated that there had been construction being done all day. Witnesses reported seeing light smoke and within minutes the entire house was in flames.

Crews on scene performed a defensive attack using large master streams and hand lines to protect neighboring homes and to knock down the flames. The fire was intensified by the high winds and estimated forty to fifty foot flames lengths were extending across the road endangering the homes on all sides. Large diameter master streams were strategically placed to protect the affected exposures and allowed fire personnel to make access to those homes. The homes across the street and on the sides suffered broken windows due to the intense heat and minor smoke damage but received no fire damage. Flying fire brands started two small spot fire that were quickly extinguished with no damage to any of the surrounding homes under construction. Operations were also complicated by a ruptured gas line. The gas line was an exposed line in the street that had ruptured due to the intense heat.

A total of thirty-two personnel responded to the fire. There were five fire engines, one ladder truck, two paramedic rescues, two chief officers, one fire investigator and one support personnel. The fire was under control in approximately thirty- five minutes but crews remained on scene for several hours to ensure hot spots were completely extinguished. Heavy equipment was also brought in to knock down remaining walls that created a collapse potential

Representatives from Nevada Power, Southwest Gas, City of Henderson Building Department and City of Henderson Streets Department responded to secure the utilities and hazards in the area.

Cause of the fire is still under investigation. The home was a total loss and the damage is estimated to be around $900,000.00 dollars. There were no reported injuries to civilians however two firefighters did receive minor burns.

For additional information, please contact Battalion Chief Jeff Lytle with the Henderson Fire Department at 303-8955.