Breaking: Massive Fire in Las Vegas Today—Live Updates on Strip Casino Blaze, Road Closures & Safety Tips

LAS VEGAS — A fast-moving building fire sent a towering column of black smoke over central Las Vegas this morning, drawing a massive response from the Clark County Fire Department and briefly alarming students and commuters near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Witnesses first called 911 at 8:12 a.m. when flames erupted from a two-story commercial structure in the 4600 block of Maryland Parkway, just north of Tropicana Avenue—directly across from UNLV’s main campus. Firefighters arrived within minutes, attacking heavy flames on the second floor with multiple hose lines as intense heat pushed smoke high enough to be seen across the entire Las Vegas Valley. The burning building houses several small businesses—including a nail salon, café and postal outlet—though no occupants were reported inside when the fire broke out. Crews conducted a rapid primary search and began defensive operations after parts of the roof showed signs of collapse, officials said. UNLV issued an X (formerly Twitter) alert at 8:38 a.m. advising: “Avoid Maryland Parkway near University Rd due to Clark County working an active fire. There is no current threat to UNLV campus.” Traffic on Maryland Parkway, Tropicana Avenue and surrounding side streets was diverted, causing rush-hour delays. Regional Transportation Commission cameras captured bumper-to-bumper congestion as spectators slowed to photograph the dramatic plume. By 9:15 a.m. firefighters had knocked down the bulk of the flames, but crews remained on scene to douse hot spots and begin an investigation into the cause. Preliminary reports indicate the fire may have started in a rear storage room; investigators are interviewing business owners and reviewing security-camera footage. No injuries to civilians or firefighters have been reported, but officials urged anyone who inhaled smoke to seek medical evaluation, especially those with asthma or heart disease. The Southern Nevada Health District warned residents downwind to keep windows closed and run HVAC systems on recirculate until air quality readings improve. WHY THIS MATTERS • High visibility: The “fire in Las Vegas today” generated viral images that dominated local social feeds, amplifying traffic and safety concerns. • Campus proximity: Although UNLV structures were not threatened, the incident highlights fire-response coordination between Clark County Fire, university police and Las Vegas Fire & Rescue. • Ongoing heat risk: With temperatures forecast to top 100 °F, officials caution that extreme heat and low humidity can accelerate structural and brush fires. Residents are reminded to clear debris around buildings and avoid outdoor flames or sparks during red-flag conditions. WHAT DRIVERS NEED TO KNOW • Maryland Parkway remains closed between University Road and Harmon Avenue until structural engineers deem the building stable. Use Paradise Road or Swenson Street as alternates. • RTC bus routes 109 and 201 are on detour; check the transit app for temporary stops. NEXT STEPS Fire investigators will release an initial damage estimate and cause determination later today. Business owners seeking assistance can contact Clark County’s Commercial Damage hotline at 702-455-5710. Updates will be posted to the county’s emergency page and broadcast by local media. If you captured video of the blaze, Clark County Fire asks that you email footage to FireInfo@ClarkCountyNV.gov to aid the investigation. Anyone with respiratory irritation after exposure to smoke should call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit a local urgent-care clinic.