Sahara Las Vegas Roof Caught Fire

A fire broke out Tuesday evening at the Sahara Las Vegas, sending thick smoke over the busy tourist corridor after construction debris on the casino-resort’s roof caught fire around 5 pm. 

Sahara Las Vegas’s Rooftop Caught Fire

The blaze was quickly contained and extinguished, with no injuries reported among civilians or firefighters. According to KLAS 8 News Now, the incident took place at 2535 S. Las Vegas Boulevard. Clark County Fire Department crews accessed the roof, located the fire, which was confined to construction debris, and swiftly brought it under control.

The fire crews responded to the fire at the Las Vegas hotel after receiving a call around 5:09 pm. Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke coming from the second-story roof. Las Vegas Fire & Rescue also assisted in the response. In total, 48 personnel were involved. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The incident highlights a concerning pattern of construction-related fires at major Las Vegas hotels this year. In July, a similar incident occurred at the under-construction Fontainebleau luxury hotel, where debris on the roof caught fire, sending black smoke across the valley, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. This growing trend has sparked concerns about safety protocols on active construction sites within the city’s hospitality industry. The incidents are happening during Las Vegas’s extreme summer heat, which increases the fire risk for construction materials and debris.

Sahara’s Roof Had Burned in the Past

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that the Sahara Las Vegas roof caught fire. Way back in 1968, another fire broke out at the venue and caused an estimated $1 million in damages (over $9.25 million in today’s money). The fire caused damage to the main casino, the hotel’s executive offices, a coffee shop lounge, and the showroom. Hundreds of people were evacuated from these areas, along with additional guests from the new casino expansion, which was not damaged. The hotel section of the large complex, located at Sahara Avenue and the Strip, was unaffected by the fire, and hotel guests were not evacuated.

While no details were reported, the fire did cause several injuries. Herb McDonald, then-executive vice president of the Sahara, was treated on-site after being overcome by smoke that seeped into the rooms and offices. A female employee and several firefighters also suffered from smoke exposure. According to Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital, the woman and one firefighter were treated and later released.