Lake Mead boaters in disbelief after fire destroys boats; ongoing investigation

Madison Kimbro and Caroline Bleakley

49 minutes ago

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Boat owners are still reeling from a fire that damaged or destroyed 15 boats early Sunday morning at the Las Vegas Boat Harbor Marina in the Lake Mead Recreation Area.

The fire was first reported around 12:30 a.m. Around 3:30 a.m., firefighters brought the fire under control.

“It’s really tragic. We’ve never seen anything like this here,” said Brian Essex of Tow Boat US. “Most of them are gone. Some are half sunk. I don't know if some are completely sunk, but it's our job next week to clean it all up.

Others at the marina Sunday morning remember what they saw as the fire engulfed the boats.

“I went to get my fire extinguisher and started running towards the incident. I've been here almost six years this October and this is the worst it's ever been. I guarantee it,” said Peter Greco.

While many visit Lake Mead for recreational activities, others call it home.

“It’s really heartbreaking. We are new to this community. I can not imagine. People live there during the summer,” Jamie Yepsen said.

No one was seriously injured in the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The National Park Service said Ports “R” and “I” will be closed until further notice for investigation and safety inspections.