Fire chief cites building after eviction-related storage; owner given 30 days to submit sprinkler plans or remove hazard

The Nevada Fire Department has issued municipal-infraction citations and notified a building owner to submit plans within 30 days to install a full sprinkler system or otherwise remove the hazard after an eviction left large quantities of personal property stored in a downtown building, Fire Chief Ray Reynolds told the council.

Reynolds said the city has worked with the tenant, identified in the meeting as Vail (Veil) Martin, and has given multiple extensions but found the stored items present a high fuel load that threatens the safety of residents living above the building. He said both the building owner and the tenant received citations for fire-code violations and that the city served notice requiring plans for a sprinkler system or a change in occupancy treatment.

The fire chief said the department’s immediate priority is occupant safety. Reynolds told the council the building owner must submit plans within 30 days or otherwise address the noncompliance. He also said the tenant indicated an intention to sell possessions and remove stored goods within 30 days and that city staff will continue to assist where appropriate while enforcing code requirements.

Reynolds added the public-safety concern intensified because three truckloads of items were moved into the downtown building, prompting tenant complaints about safety. The council heard that the matter has drawn significant social-media attention and that staff have been coordinating with the sheriff’s office and other city departments to address eviction documentation and code enforcement.

No council action was recorded beyond receiving the update; staff said they will continue to work with the owner and tenant to resolve the safety and code issues.