Surprise!
The fire that destroyed the remaining structures at the historic Moulin Rouge property was caused by humans, according to the City of Las Vegas Fire Department.
According to spokesman Jace Radke, while officials have not yet determined how the blaze started, they have not ruled out arson or cooking by vagrants. The investigation continues.
The May 6 fire destroyed a portion of two-story apartments at the historic site, on Bonanza Road near Martin L. King Boulevard. The Moulin Rouge was the first racially integrated hotel-casino in Las Vegas. The blaze forced property owner Olympic Coast Investment to raze the building. The Seattle-based company took ownership of the property the day before the fire from the bankrupt Moulin Rouge Properties. Olympic Coast was the senior lien holder for Moulin Rouge Properties. Olympic Coast President John Hossman wouldn't comment Wednesday on the investigators’ findings. He said the property is still for sale and that several bidders are interested in it.