Published on: November 25, 2024, at 08:02h.

Last updated on: November 21, 2024, at 09:17h.

Following the tragic MGM Grand fire 44 years ago, Governor Bob List convened a fire safety commission that came up with 11 recommendations for a new fire code to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The recommendations included installing sprinklers, smoke detectors, and emergency stairwell lighting in existing high-rise guest rooms. However, these recommendations were only implemented in new construction due to pressure from the gaming industry.

Senate Bill 214 was later passed, incorporating all the original recommendations after another fire at the Las Vegas Hilton, which claimed 8 lives.

Further Tragedy

The night of February 10, 1981, saw a fire break out in the Las Vegas Hilton’s East Tower during a performance by Juliet Prowse and Andy Williams. Philip Cline, a new busboy, noticed the fire and attempted to extinguish it but was unsuccessful.

As the fire spread rapidly, Cline warned guests and staff, facilitating the evacuation of the hotel. The fire consumed multiple floors of the tower, resulting in 8 deaths and numerous injuries.

The fire and smoke posed significant dangers, with many guests needing to breathe through wet towels to escape the toxic fumes. Despite the heroism of Cline, he was later convicted and sentenced to eight life terms for arson and murder.

An Unfortunate Turn

Following the investigation, Cline was arrested for starting the fire intentionally. Despite his initial attempts to extinguish it, evidence revealed his involvement in several fires during his shift.

Cline’s actions led to his conviction on all charges and his current imprisonment. Since the passage of stricter fire codes in 1981, Las Vegas has not witnessed another high-rise hotel fire tragedy.

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