On November 21, 1980, a fire at the MGM Grand Hotel killed 85 people and injured 785 more. The disaster exposed catastrophic failures in fire safety and triggered regulatory reforms that reshaped casino construction nationwide.

The Morning of November 21

The fire started in the Deli restaurant, likely from an electrical fault. Within minutes, flames engulfed the casino floor. Toxic smoke rose through elevator shafts and air handling systems, reaching guests trapped on upper floors.

The Failures

Investigation revealed systematic safety failures: no sprinklers in the casino, inadequate smoke detection, stairwell doors that didn't seal, air handling systems that spread smoke rather than containing it. The building met existing codes—the codes were simply inadequate.

The Regulatory Response

Nevada enacted the strictest fire safety requirements in the nation. Sprinklers became mandatory throughout all hotel-casinos. Smoke detection systems, stairwell pressurization, and air handling modifications were required. Other jurisdictions followed Nevada's lead.

The Lasting Impact

The MGM Grand fire became a case study in hospitality safety education. Building codes nationwide were strengthened. The modern expectation that hotels will protect guests from fire traces directly to this tragedy and the reforms it compelled.