MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Fire Presentation by Jeff Roberts & Jordan Phillips
Introduction On November 21, 1980 at 7:05am the second largest life-loss fire in the U.S. caused: 87 deaths 679 injuries $30,000,000 estimated in damages
Design & Layout Features 26-Story high rise hotel Type-I construction Steel framing and concrete floors No nearby buildings Exits Service Elevators Main Elevators Inner Stairwells Smoke-free Towers
Cause of Fire Electrical fault Galvanic action
Origin of Fire Fire began in the Deli Ignition point was located in side stand #2 Origin identified due to: Direction of flame spread Char and Fire Patterns
Growth of the Fire Began in the Deli Spread into the Orleans Coffee House Burned into air plenum Spread to the casino Burned access into smokeless stairwells
Consequences of the Fire Employees and Guests 87 Deaths 679 Injuries Firefighters 14 were hospitalized 300 experienced smoke inhalation $30,000,000 in damages
Fire Protection System Deficiencies Lack of sprinklers in most areas Lack of smoke detectors Manually activated fire alarm Scan picture of Table A-3.1
Structural Deficiencies Gap in seismic joints Improperly installed smoke dampers
Effect on the Structure Heavy smoke damage to entire building Fire damage to: Casino Arcade area Metal trusses twisted due to heat Camber in floor of 18 in. Elevators cables snapped due to heat Repaired and reinstated 8 months after fire
Emergency Response Response Timeline 11 Firefighting units Fire observed at 7:05am Fire department called at 7:15am Fire department arrived at 7:17am 11 Firefighting units 19 Helicopters Evacuation took 4 hours
Conclusions Adequate fire protection system necessary Sprinklers Smoke Alarm Fire Alarm Regular inspection of HVAC system Self-closing doors would have helped contain fire spread Add structural redundancy information