News Summary
A brush fire near William G. Bennett Airfield Park in Las Vegas has expanded to over 110 acres, raising safety concerns among residents and RC airplane enthusiasts. The fire, which started northeast of Old Silver Bowl Park, is about 20% contained. Emergency responders, including personnel from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, are actively working to manage the blaze. The fire has drawn attention to safety issues associated with nearby homeless settlements, which may contribute to fire risks. Local residents express frustration over repeated fire incidents in the area.
Las Vegas – A brush fire near William G. Bennett Airfield Park has expanded to at least 110 acres, prompting safety concerns among local residents and radio-controlled (RC) airplane enthusiasts. The fire, which broke out around 3:30 p.m., created thick black smoke visible from various parts of the Las Vegas valley, leading to alarm from nearby communities.
On Tuesday, emergency responders battled the blaze, which originated northeast of Old Silver Bowl Park, located off Weisner Way. By Wednesday, officials reported that the fire had grown significantly and was about 20% contained. Fire suppression efforts included the dispatch of four engines and 16 wildland firefighting personnel from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to the scene.
Randy Dorn, President of the Las Vegas Radio Control Flyers, was on-site for irrigation repairs alongside Clark County officials when he noticed the threatening black smoke. Fortunately, the strong winds directed the flames away from the runway area, allowing airport operations to continue without interruption.
The ongoing fire hazard has raised critical safety concerns, particularly among local RC pilots. Recent discussions within the club have highlighted worries about the presence of homeless settlements adjoining the wetlands, which club members believe contribute to the fire risks. One area affected by previous fires was identified as a space frequently utilized by homeless individuals, who have reportedly left behind debris that complicates the retrieval of lost planes.
This fire marks at least the fourth reported incident at the wetlands this year alone, following similar occurrences in March, April, and early June. Officials have confirmed that this most recent fire was human-caused, although they have yet to identify a specific suspect responsible for igniting the flames.
Residents of the Cadence community have voiced increasing frustration with the rising number of fires near the park. Many have expressed fears regarding safety, particularly in light of the visible flames and ash that have drifted into their neighborhoods. The Las Vegas Metro Police have recently enhanced surveillance in the park through the installation of a motion sensor monitor, a move prompted by minor vandalism incidents over recent months.
As of the latest reports, fire crews are continuing to monitor and extinguish hot spots, with the goal of achieving full containment by the end of the day. The methodical approach aims to lessen the risks of flare-ups and ensure the safety of both wildlife and local residents.
The visibility of large flames and the associated ash falling on residential areas have alarmed community members. Many have called for better management of the wetlands and adequate support for the homeless population in the area, in hopes of reducing fire incidents in the future.
As this latest brush fire incident develops, the focus remains on firefighting efforts and the ongoing discussions regarding safety and management in the wetlands park. Local authorities are faced with the challenge of addressing both the fire hazard and the needs of the homeless population living nearby.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Las Vegas Expands Dining Scene with New Restaurants
Third Street Set to Transform Las Vegas Arts Scene
Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Gun Charges Against Undocumented Immigrant
Las Vegas Weekend Events Include Music, Sports, and More
Memphis Men’s Basketball Triumphs Over UNLV
Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing Dogs in Hot Car
Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Welcomes New Fire Engine
Iranian Expatriates in Las Vegas Hope for Regime Change
Escalating Tensions in the Middle East Amid Ceasefire Violations
Officer-Involved Shooting in North Las Vegas Results in Injuries
Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Wikipedia: Wetlands
- Fox5 Vegas
- Google Search: Las Vegas Wetlands fire
- KTNV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- 8 News Now
- Google News: Las Vegas Wetlands fire
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
