Top 10 Hotel Fires in the United States

Here are top 10 deadliest Hotel Fires and what you can do to make your property safe.

Winecoff Hotel Fire: A catastrophic event occurred in Atlanta, Georgia on December 7, 1946, when a fire broke out on the third floor of a 15-story hotel, rapidly engulfing the entire building. Despite being marketed as a fireproof building, the hotel lacked crucial safety features such as a sprinkler system and a fire alarm and had only one stairwell. The tragedy claimed the lives of 127 individuals, including guests and employees of the hotel.

MGM Grand Hotel Fire: On November 21, 1980, a catastrophic incident occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada when a fire started on the ground floor of a casino and swiftly spread throughout the entire building. This tragic event claimed 87 lives and left over 700 people injured. As a result of this calamity, there were substantial changes in fire safety regulations, leading to the implementation of stronger fire codes and more rigorous enforcement. Despite these advancements, however, the cause of the fire remained a topic of debate.

Dupont Plaza Hotel Fire: During the New Year's Eve celebration on December 31, 1986, a fire erupted at the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, tragically claiming the lives of 97 individuals and leaving over 140 injured. The hotel was found to have several safety violations, including a lack of sprinkler system and inadequate evacuation procedures. Following an investigation, the cause of the incident was determined to be arson.

Hotel Vendome Fire: On June 17, 1972, a tragic incident occurred in Boston, Massachusetts, when a fire erupted in the basement of the Hotel Vendome and quickly engulfed the entire building. Although the cause of the fire was suspected to be faulty electrical wiring, it has remained undetermined to this day. Adding to the difficulty for firefighters, the hotel's architecture featured narrow staircases and corridors. Sadly, the event resulted in the deaths of 9 firefighters, 7 guests, and 22 injuries.

Roosevelt Hotel Fire: The fire that broke out on December 29, 1963, on the 13th floor of a building proved to be devastating, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals and injuring over 50 guests. The blaze spread rapidly, leaving several individuals trapped in their rooms. This tragic event emphasized the importance of having strong partnerships between fire departments and hotels, including regular inspections and communication, to ensure that all fire safety regulations are being properly followed.

Sheraton Hotel Fire: In 1981, in Kansas City, Missouri, an incident claimed the lives of 14 individuals and left dozens more injured. This tragedy brought attention to the importance of strict regulations for electrical systems. As a result, new regulations were established to ensure regular inspections and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment in public places. Additionally, emphasis was placed on educating building owners and managers about fire safety measures to prevent such incidents from happening again.

LaSalle Hotel Fire: On June 5, 1946, a fire broke out in the Silver Grill Cocktail Lounge of a hotel around 12:30 a.m. when most of the guests were asleep. The tragic incident resulted in over 200 people being injured and 61 losing their lives. This disaster was avoidable and waiting to happen. The devastating hotel fire led to the Chicago city council enacting new regulations for hotel buildings. One of the significant measures was the mandatory installation of automatic alarm systems.

The Stouffer's Inn Fire: The fire that occurred on December 4, 1980, was possibly one of the most significant disasters in the history of the state. On that December morning, approximately 100 individuals walked into the luxury hotel to attend a business conference, but tragically, 26 of them did not make it out alive. In response to the Stouffer's Inn fire, the New York Legislature implemented a fire code with increased emphasis on the availability of sprinklers in hotels for fire safety purposes.

The Hilton Hotel Fire: 52 years ago , in 1971 at around 8 p.m., a devastating fire tore through the International Hotel building, trapping numerous guests in their rooms. The incident claimed the lives of almost 8 people and injured 200 others. The cause of the hotel fire was determined to be arson. In response to the tragedy, significant changes were made to fire safety regulations and building codes, particularly in the hotel industry.

Terminal Hotel Fire: An intense fire broke out at the Terminal Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia on May 16, 1938, which resulted in the deaths of 34 individuals and numerous injuries. The fire began with an explosion, which originated either in the basement or kitchen. Within minutes, the five-story building was engulfed in flames. Although the cause of the fire was never officially determined, it is believed to have been caused by an electric spark from a ventilating fan.

These tragic hotel fire incidents that have occurred over the years remind us of the importance of fire safety in public places. By taking necessary steps and investing in the right products, we can help prevent future tragedies. It is important to choose products from reputable manufacturers that meet industrial standards. Additionally, it should also be ensured that products are properly installed and maintained on a regular basis.

If you want to update your fire safety system or need to place a rush order for any quantity, we have you covered. Please call us today at 844-394-8247 or email us at [email protected], for all your lighting or egress signage needs!