On Saturday, June 19, 2021, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported a Resorts World Las Vegas fire incident. The unlucky event, which took place days before the grand opening of the first new hotel-casino on the northwest end of the Las Vegas Strip in more than a decade, raised numerous concerns.
Eyewitnesses posted photographs of smoke and flames engulfing the resort, and what started as a small fire in the hotel’s storage area became a threat to other structures and guests.
The 2021 incident came years after a similar incident was reported at a different Resorts World in January 2008. Comments from witnesses brought questions about the resort’s safety policies.
While there were no reported injuries or casualties on these occasions, should we be worried for the future? According to the resort’s updated policies, we shouldn’t.
Fire Marshal Regulations
According to the Resorts World Las Vegas Meeting Planner Guide, the hotel complies with the regulations provided by Clark County Fire Department.
Permits and Restrictions
The resort plans and provides safety and emergency evacuation diagrams for all events. In the case of events with more than 299 guests, the hotel must first get approval from Clark County and display the diagrams on the premises for the duration of these events.
The Fire Department can approve plans and diagrams that have been submitted at least 90 days prior to the event. If the event has over 299 guests and the plans are not approved, the event may not proceed.
Flame Retardant Materials
To guarantee the safety of guests and employees, all materials used in private and communal areas of the resort must be flame-retardant.
This includes drapes, signs, banners, and other materials. Materials that are not flame retardant are not approved for use.
Pyrotechnics, Flame Effects, and Hazers
Fire hazards increase in the case of pyrotechnics and other shows that involve hazers or flame effects. During these shows, the Fire & Safety system of the hotel must be disabled, so these shows involve extra costs for the organizers.
In the case of pyrotechnics, the hotel guarantees safety by requiring security to be on watch when pyrotechnics installations are used or tested.
Event organizers can only use pyrotechnic services provided by a certified company, and the Fire Marshall must be notified and called in for a test prior to the event.
Similar regulations are in place for shows involving flame effects and hazers. For all these shows and events, the organizers must pay a fee of $65 per hour per team member responsible for providing safety for the entire duration of the event (including test or preparation days).
Tradeshow and Exhibit Fire
In addition to the rules above, the resort sets further rules for events involving any type of fire show.
For the duration of these events, the hotel prohibits event organizers from storing any kind of items or supplies behind drapes, display walls, or other displays.
Packaging, containers, wrapping materials, and other supplies must be removed from the show area and stored in a safe storage box or room for the duration of the event.
Display and exhibition booths must be made of non-combustible and flame-retardant materials, wires must be taped down, and painted signs or other potentially flammable decorations are not permitted.
Key Takeaways
- A fire incident was reported at Resorts World Las Vegas in June 2021. Before this event, a fire was reported in January 2008.
- The resort established a stringent safety policy regarding the use of fire and flammable materials during shows and exhibitions.
- Materials used in private and public areas of the hotel are flame-retardant. Safety risks at Resorts World are generally low for both guests and employees.