Fire on Sahara Las Vegas Roof: Incident Overview and History

Fire Breaks Out at Sahara Las Vegas Roof

On a Tuesday evening around 5 pm, a fire erupted on the roof of the Sahara Las Vegas, sending thick smoke over the busy tourist area. The source of the fire was construction debris that had caught flame atop the casino-resort.

Rapid Response and Fire Containment

Firefighters from the Clark County Fire Department quickly responded to the scene at 2535 S. Las Vegas Boulevard. They accessed the second-story roof where the fire was located and efficiently extinguished the blaze, which was limited to the debris. Assistance also came from Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, with a total of 48 personnel involved. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the public or firefighters. An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway.

Context: Construction Site Fire Risks in Las Vegas

This incident adds to a growing number of construction-related fires at major Las Vegas hotels throughout the year. For example, in July, debris on the roof of the under-construction Fontainebleau luxury hotel also ignited, creating a large plume of smoke across the area. These events raise concerns about safety practices on active construction sites, especially during the intense summer heat that elevates the risk of fires involving construction materials and waste.

History of Fires on Sahara Las Vegas’ Roof

The Sahara Las Vegas roof has experienced fires in the past. In 1968, a significant blaze caused roughly $1 million in damages (equivalent to over $9.25 million today). It affected several areas including the main casino floor, executive offices, a coffee shop lounge, and the showroom. Hundreds of guests were evacuated from those sections as well as from a newly built casino expansion, though the hotel rooms were not impacted and remained operational without evacuation.

Injuries During the 1968 Fire

Although detailed reports were limited, the 1968 fire led to some injuries. Herb McDonald, then the executive vice president of Sahara, was treated on site after being overcome by smoke that filled the affected rooms and offices. Additionally, a female employee and some firefighters suffered smoke exposure; medical treatment was provided at Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital, with patients being released afterward.