North Las Vegas Police issued a notice of evacuation of the area surrounding AmeriGas at 4430 McGuire St. in North Las Vegas. Officials are monitoring a 30,000-gallon tank located at the farm and believe it could still explode. Other tanks also may pose a hazard.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police report evacuating 700 to 1,000 homes. Local emergency managers also sent recorded messages to about 8,000 residential and business telephone numbers in the area advising of the evacuation. An incident command post is set up at North Las Vegas Fire Station 52, near Losee and Alexander roads.
Clark County emergency managers have activated a recorded phone line for residents living in the area to call if they need transportation assistance. The phone number is: 223-4636 (INFO). Residents are asked to leave a message with their names, telephone numbers, addresses and the number of people in their household who need transportation. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada has buses on standby to assist with transportation.
The Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross has set up a shelter in Exhibit Hall B at Cashman Center, 850 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Since 2 a.m., the Red Cross reports that 48 people have registered at the shelter. The local chapter of the Salvation Army is providing meals at the shelter. For information about shelter operations, contact Peter Macias, cell: 496-7667.