Vegas Hotel Fire Safety Changes Weren't Just Due to MGM Grand Disaster
A devastating fire at the MGM Grand in 1980 killed 86 people, prompting Governor Bob List to convene a fire safety commission. While the commission initially recommended comprehensive safety measures including sprinklers in all guest rooms, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting, these recommendations were watered down due to gaming industry pressure.
The real catalyst for change came 12 weeks later when the Las Vegas Hilton caught fire, killing 8 people and injuring about 300 others, including 48 firefighters.
MGM Grand Las Vegas historic fire
The Hilton fire began on February 10, 1981, when busboy Philip Cline reported a small fire in an eighth-floor elevator lobby. Within 20 minutes, the flames had spread from the 8th to the 30th floor, reaching 100 feet above the hotel's roof.
Hilton hotel fire with palm trees
The investigation revealed Cline had intentionally started the fire, hoping to be remembered as a hero. He was convicted of eight counts of murder and one count of arson, receiving eight consecutive life sentences without parole.
Hilton Hotel fire rescue operation
Burned Hilton hotel room interior
Following these tragedies, Senate Bill 214 passed on March 6, 1981, implementing comprehensive fire safety measures in all Las Vegas hotels. Since then, no lives have been lost to high-rise hotel fires in Las Vegas.
Hilton hotel with illuminated exterior signage
The common belief that the MGM Grand fire alone led to modern hotel fire safety standards is incorrect - it took both tragedies to create lasting change in Las Vegas.
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