A fire truck parked outside the charred apartment complex. (Courtesy: Les Krifaton/FOX5)LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
A fire that tore through an apartment building on the city's west side was an accident, according to Las Vegas fire investigators.
The blaze started on the second floor of the property near Smoke Ranch and Jones Boulevard late Thursday night. Investigators said the fire started in or near a utility shaft that is used to house plastic PVC pipes.
The flames spread to the attic and roof, causing $750,000 damage, officials said.
Nearly 40 people were displaced by the fire.
The American Red Cross said it had spent $10,000 overnight to assist 25 of the victims. The organization is asking the public for donations to help their effort.
"People don't realize, if this would happen to you, people don't know where to go. They stand in the middle of the street and wait for somebody to guide them, it's devastating," said Red Cross spokesman Lloyd Ziel.
Anyone willing to make a donation can contact the organization at 1-800-Red-Cross, text No. 90999 or donate via its website.
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