The devastating Alpine Motel fire in December 2019 continues to haunt the memories of downtown Las Vegas residents. The fire killed six individuals, injured 13 others, and displaced more than 50 people, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
“I remember seeing a person in a wheelchair being pushed out of a window—an older person who couldn’t get down from the top floor,” recalled Dawn Bass, a nearby resident who witnessed the chaos unfold.
The 41-unit building, now operating as DLUX Lofts, has been restored, but for many, the scars of that night remain. Zamery Colin, who owns a beauty salon next door, emphasized the emotional toll the fire had on survivors and the community.
“I really don’t like that they don’t have any kind of memorial for the people that were lost,” said Colin. “A lot of kids, older people, and young people were lost.”
Colin also shared the story of a former tenant who still bears physical and emotional scars from the fire. “He comes here every two weeks to get his hair cut. He has burns all over his face and just recently settled. He said it wasn’t enough for everything he lost.”
The fire resulted in legal action against the building’s former owner, Adolfo Orozco-Garcia, who recently agreed to an Alford plea. He pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one charge of wanton disregard for safety resulting in substantial bodily harm or death. The plea deal allowed Orozco-Garcia to avoid a lengthy trial, but many in the community remain unsettled by the outcome.
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for accountability in protecting tenants. The lack of a memorial for the victims has drawn criticism from residents, further emphasizing the lasting impact of the fire on the Las Vegas community.
