Independence day fire disrupts Vanderpump hotel project on the Strip

Early morning blaze strikes future Vanderpump hotel location
The Fourth of July holiday took an unexpected turn for guests at The Cromwell when a fire erupted in the hotel’s parking garage during the early morning hours. The Clark County Fire Department received the initial call at 6:33 a.m. about a structure fire at The Cromwell, located at 3595 South Las Vegas Boulevard on the northeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road.
Deputy Fire Chief Brian O’Neal confirmed that crews were dispatched to handle a fire in a storage room on the fourth floor of the parking garage, where firefighters discovered that the building’s sprinkler system had already activated and was keeping the blaze under control.
Fire response and containment
The Clark County Fire Department mounted a substantial response, deploying six engines, three rescues, two trucks, heavy rescue, two battalion chiefs, and two fire investigators, totaling 46 personnel to the scene. Video footage captured by bystanders and shared across social media platforms showed dark smoke drifting over the sidewalk outside the casino as emergency vehicles arrived.
Fire crews successfully extinguished the blaze by pulling hoselines from their engines to the fourth floor of the garage and conducting overhaul operations to eliminate any remaining burning material. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Clark County Fire Department officials.
Guest safety measures and hotel response
While the fire was contained to the storage area where it originated, Caesars Entertainment took precautionary measures to ensure guest safety. A representative for Caesars Entertainment confirmed that some guest rooms were briefly evacuated as a safety precaution, though no injuries were reported during the incident.
According to the company’s statement, all hotel operations returned to normal within hours of the incident, and officials expressed gratitude to the Clark County Fire Department for their swift response.
The Vanderpump hotel transformation project
This fire incident occurs during a pivotal period for The Cromwell, as the property is currently undergoing a complete transformation into The Vanderpump Hotel, set to debut in early 2026. Reality TV star and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump announced in March 2025 her partnership with Caesars Entertainment to rebrand the 188-room boutique hotel, including 19 suites.
Vanderpump expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that it represents an extraordinary opportunity to develop the iconic location into something unique, playful and upscale, emphasizing that hospitality has always been her passion.
Design vision and renovation plans
The upcoming hotel will feature completely reimagined spaces designed by Vanderpump and her business partner Nick Alain through their design company Vanderpump Alain. The renovation plans include an enhanced hotel reception and front desk area, an all-new lounge, redesigned guest rooms and suites, and a fresh new feel for the casino floor, all embodying what Vanderpump describes as “sexy elegance and comfort”.
According to the hotel’s website, the transformation will feature opulent furnishings, bespoke lighting, and a captivating new lounge, with every detail from the enchanting guest rooms to the revitalized casino floor embodying elegance and comfort.
Vanderpump’s growing Vegas empire
The Vanderpump Hotel represents the latest addition to Lisa Vanderpump’s expanding Las Vegas hospitality portfolio. Since 2019, Caesars Entertainment and Vanderpump have successfully launched three Las Vegas experiences: Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace, Vanderpump à Paris at Paris Las Vegas, and most recently, Pinky’s by Vanderpump at Flamingo Las Vegas, which opened in December 2024.
Sean McBurney, regional president of Caesars Entertainment, praised the partnership, noting that they’ve had phenomenal success developing three restaurants in Las Vegas and are now excited to take Vanderpump’s vision and expertise to the next level by infusing her talent and creativity into an entire hotel.
Operations continue during renovation
Despite the fire incident and ongoing renovation work, The Cromwell will remain open to the public throughout the transformation process. The property continues to operate its existing amenities, including Giada De Laurentiis’ namesake restaurant, the Bound lobby bar, Interlude casino lounge, and Drai’s nightclub.
Looking ahead
The fire represents just a minor setback in what promises to be one of the Strip’s most anticipated hotel transformations. The project, which officially began renovation work in summer 2025, will bring Vanderpump’s signature style featuring velvet, crystal, and bespoke furniture to every inch of the hotel.
With the fire now contained and operations back to normal, The Cromwell continues its journey toward becoming The Vanderpump Hotel, promising to offer visitors a unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and the distinctive Vanderpump brand experience when it opens its doors in early 2026.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in major renovation projects on the busy Las Vegas Strip, though the quick response from emergency services and the building’s safety systems prevented what could have been a much more serious situation.
Image Source: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/fire-breaks-lisa-vanderpump-future-173938236.html
Category: Breaking News
Subcategory: Fire & Safety
Date: 07/07/2025