[4] On November 21, 1980, the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino (now Horseshoe Las Vegas) in Paradise, Nevada suffered a major fire.

A large portion of the Las Vegas Valley within a 10 miles (16 km) radius of the plant was affected, and several agencies activated disaster plans.

Two were confirmed dead on scene; Bruce Halker the plant manager’s remains were discovered in his wheelchair and controller Roy Westerfield’s body was obliterated in the final blast.

Some reports detailed that Roy Westerfield recognized the inevitable explosion and stayed behind to inform both Henderson and Clark County Fire Departments of the impending disaster.

[8] The CCFD is spread out throughout the unincorporated areas of the county in 42 separate fire stations, including one located at Harry Reid International Airport.