Backhoe Accident Causes Intense Gas Line Fire In Las Vegas

A backhoe hit a natural gas line in a residential neighborhood today, sparking an intense blaze that firefighters allowed to burn until the gas could be shut off, according to Las Vegas Fire & Rescue officials. Fire department spokesman Tim Szymanski said the fire was “extremely intense,” and the first concern was that the radiant heat would set nearby houses on fire. Firefighters sprayed water on the houses to keep them from catching fire, he said. The fire was reported about 11:45 a.m. on Acacia Tree Drive at Anasazi Drive, not far from John W. Bonner Elementary School. Up to 90 people were evacuated, officials said.