Las Vegas Hotel Fire From a Cop's Experience

 

Las Vegas, NV — On the morning of November 21, 1980, the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino became the site of one of the deadliest hotel fires in U.S. history. The fire claimed 85 lives, injured nearly 700 people, and led to significant changes in fire safety protocols nationwide.

Former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer turned ATF Agent Mark Rusin provides a firsthand account of the tragedy in a free podcast episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show. The episode is available on their website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.

The fire began at 7:07 a.m. in a restaurant on the casino’s first floor due to an electrical malfunction in a refrigerated pastry display case at The Deli. Flames and thick black smoke quickly spread through the casino’s highly flammable decor. The building’s design flaws allowed smoke to travel into the 26-story hotel tower via elevator shafts and stairwells, trapping many occupants.

Las Vegas Metro Police officers were among the first to arrive. Mark Rusin described the chaos: “It was like hell on earth. We were tasked with the grim duty of locating and recovering victims in pitch-black conditions filled with toxic smoke.”

Police helicopters transported officers to the hotel’s rooftop, enabling rescue teams to evacuate survivors and recover victims. Despite their efforts, the lack of sprinklers and the use of flammable materials worsened the disaster.

Survivors recounted breaking windows to escape and clinging to balconies while awaiting rescue. Many succumbed to smoke inhalation while attempting to flee. Rusin shared a particularly poignant moment: “One man died shielding his wife from the smoke in a final act of love.”

These stories of survival and sacrifice deeply affected first responders like Rusin, who later documented his experiences in his book, Metro: Sin City Chronicles.

The MGM Grand fire remains Nevada’s deadliest disaster and the third-deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history. It prompted significant reforms, including mandatory sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings, fire-resistant construction materials, and comprehensive evacuation plans. These standards became a national model to prevent similar tragedies.

Four decades later, the MGM Grand fire is a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures. Survivors, first responders, and historians continue to share their stories on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin, as well as in podcasts available on Apple, Spotify, and other services.

Today, the site of the tragedy is home to another Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, a symbol of the city’s resilience. However, the memory of that day serves as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing need for vigilance in public safety.

For more insights, listen to Mark Rusin’s detailed account on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show. The podcast is free to stream on their website and major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Attributions

Wikipedia

Las Vegas Review Journal Archived

Las Vegas Sun

Las Vegas Review Journal Archived

 

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