TIM SZYMANSKI, PIO
Las Vegas Fire & Rescue - May 30, 2003

Fire destroyed one of Las Vegas’ more famous casinos early Thursday morning. The Moulin Rouge was well known for a number of years as one of the first integrated casinos in Las Vegas. The fire gutted the casino, which has been under renovation for the past several years. More than 100 people were evacuated from nearby apartments, which were converted from hotel rooms. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Two civilians were taken to area hospitals with minor injuries during the incident.

Fire dispatchers received numerous calls at 1:18 a.m. that the Moulin Rouge, 900 W. Bonanza Rd was on fire. Battalion Chief Larry Wickliffe was first on scene and reported heavy fire showing from the west side of the casino area and immediately called for a second alarm. Flames were just beginning to show through the roof of the 2-story building, sometimes the flames reaching 50-60 feet into the air. Within an hour flames grew more intense so a third alarm was sent to the scene bringing a total of 25 units with over 75 firefighters from Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Clark County to the scene.

From the start of the incident, firefighters fought the fire from the outside using four ladder trucks and several fire hoses from the ground. At one time more than 5000 gallons of water were being dumped on the fire each minute. Firefighters’ concern included bringing the fire under control and preventing the fire from spreading to nearby apartments. During the fire, more than 100 residents were evacuated. A number of them were transported by bus to the Las Vegas Senior Center on W. Bonanza at Las Vegas Blvd to a shelter set up by the American Red Cross. Two residents were transported to area hospitals during the fire, one complained of breathing difficulties and another of severe stomach pains. No firefighters were injured.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Security personnel told investigators that they checked the casino around midnight and everything appeared fine. At approximately 1:15 a.m. the personnel reported smoke coming from the roof and called 9-1-1. At that time they said no fire was visible inside the casino. Residents stated that security at the complex was excellent, with personnel making regular rounds.

The fire gutted the casino, which opened in 1955. It was vacant with some renovation work being done in the casino portion of the building. The building also had some offices on the second floor. A church and appliance shop was located on the east side of the building.

Firefighters will remain on the scene for several hours pouring water on the remains, which contain several hot spot. Fire investigators are not expected to enter the building until later in the day after it cools off.