NOTABLE LAS VEGAS AREA HOTEL FIRES

JUNE 17, 1960

One of the Strip's first properties, the El Rancho Vegas, was destroyed in a massive early morning blaze. Published reports said firefighters found no evidence the fire was deliberately set and speculated it was an accident.

NOV. 21, 1980

At the former MGM Grand, now the site of Bally's, 87 people died and more than 600 were injured in connection with a fire that started from an electrical fault in a deli. The fire spread quickly and most victims died of smoke inhalation. The fire prompted new regulations for sprinkler systems and alarms in high rises.

FEB. 10, 1981

Just three months after the MGM fire, an arson fire at the Las Vegas Hilton killed eight people. Philip Cline was sentenced to eight life sentences for his role in starting the fire.

AUG. 29, 1993

An observation deck on the under-construction Stratosphere Tower sent flames into the night sky, causing hundreds of gamblers to evacuate the adjacent Vegas World Hotel Casino.

JUNE 16, 1998

A fire leveled the Gold Strike casino near Boulder City, causing $20 million in damage. The fire started on the roof and was ruled accidental; the hotel tower was relatively undamaged. The property was rebuilt as the Hacienda. There were no injuries.

JULY 20, 1998

A lightning-caused fire at the Palace Station damaged the top two stories. But most of the damage was done hours earlier when the casino roof collapsed under the weight of tons of water. Damage was estimated at $12 million to $14 million. There were no serious injuries.

MAY 29, 2003

The Moulin Rouge casino on Bonanza Road was set ablaze. The property, which was closed at the time, was the first racially integrated casino in Las Vegas and on the National Register of Historic Places. Two men were arrested in the case.