Fire Destroys Multiple Businesses, Post Office Near UNLV Las Vegas

A major fire broke out early Friday morning at the University Gardens shopping complex across from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, destroying a two-story building and damaging at least eight businesses, including a U.S. Postal Service location. Fire crews, led by Clark County Fire Deputy Chief Thomas Touchstone, reported heavy flames and smoke from the roof and focused on preventing the fire from spreading to the north and south ends of the complex, which suffered minimal damage. The fire caused the center of the building to collapse, and the absence of a sprinkler system likely contributed to the fire's severity. No injuries have been reported, but the building's instability delayed search efforts. A federal investigation is expected, particularly into the destruction of the post office, with authorities considering possible causes including electrical faults or intentional arson. The fire prompted a large emergency response, road closures on Maryland Parkway, and the temporary relocation of postal services to the Paradise Valley Post Office.