A recent fire at Lake Mead in Nevada destroyed 26 boats, sparking an investigation.
Boating Lake Mead reported that 11 boats were destroyed at the Las Vegas Boat Harbor, with two people sustaining injuries.
Lake Mead in Arizona is the largest reservoir in the U.S., serving as a vital water source for California, Nevada, Arizona, and parts of Mexico.
The fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. local time on a Sunday, leaving devastation in its wake.
Gail Kaiser, the harbor owner, expressed the heartache, stating, “It’s pretty devastating.”
Reports indicated that people were evacuated from boats as the fire spread to the R-I wing.
Lake Mead caught fire last night. 🚨
There were several boat damages, the dock, and 10 sunken vessels. One firefighter suffered minor injuries.
Though the cause is unknown, speculation of arson looms. pic.twitter.com/4IxgPIurTT
— Las Vegas Issues (@VegasIssues) June 9, 2024
Kaiser described the scene as “horrible,” noting the extent of the damage.
On that Saturday, with pleasant weather, many were out using boats and staying overnight.
Investigators used underwater cameras on Monday to pinpoint the fire’s cause and assess the damage, with the exact reason still unknown.
Both the Clark County Fire Department and National Parks Service have been reached out to provide their insights.
Kaiser mentioned one person with burns and a firefighter who declined treatment for smoke inhalation.
Kaiser expressed the need to survey the affected areas to evaluate the damage properly.
The damaged wings are currently secured and monitored by National Parks Service Rangers.
Boat owners have been instructed to fill out the Nevada Department of Wildlife Self-Reporting Form and send it to Boating Lake Mead.
Affected boat owners are urged to contact their insurers to initiate a claim for damages.
Lake Mead has a maximum capacity of 28.23 million acres-feet, stretching 112 miles long, with concerns over future water supply shortages.
The Las Vegas Boat Harbor on Lake Mead boasts four marinas, including Lake Mead Marina in Nevada, Callville Bay in Nevada, and Temple Bar in Arizona.