Sparks from a short circuit in a hotel deli started a major fire at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas at 7:10 AM on Nov. 21, 1980. The fire engulfed the world’s largest gambling hall in smoke and flames. The fire was concentrated near the casino on the upper entertainment level. Thick black smoke filled the air ducts and escape stairwells in the 21-story guest tower causing panic and death. Eighty-five people died and more than 600 were injured, primarily due to smoke inhalation.