A fire on the deck of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ Bamboo Pool sent clouds of black smoke billowing above the scene, causing a temporary closure of the Strip and a partial evacuation of the casino.
There were no serious injuries, although two patrons were treated for smoke inhalation.
In addition to the destruction of pool-area furniture and artificial foliage that helped fuel the blaze, minor smoke damage inside the hotel resulted in the closing of the 14th and 15th floors of the West End tower. The pool area was open within a day. The origin of the fire has not yet been determined.
» Butts moved: The famous bronze statue of the Crazy Girls dancers’ derrieres that previously graced the front of the Riviera has been transported to Planet Hollywood. It’s located indoors on the mezzanine level next to the Sin City Showroom.
» Buffet upgrade: The Wynn buffet is scheduled for a $3.6 million expansion and remodel. The new venue will be near the size of Caesars’ Bacchanal and may be aiming to take back the mantle of Las Vegas’ best. There’s no information about when work will begin or how long the buffet will be out of commission.
» Buffalo wings: The original hot wings from the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, N.Y., are now available in the food court at the Venetian. A single order comes with nine wings for $12, or 1.33 cents apiece. A double order is 18 for $22, or $1.22 apiece. For groups there’s a 50-for-$55 option, or $1.10 per.
Question: Has a date been set for the implosion of the Riviera?
Answer: It hasn’t even been determined yet whether the building will be razed by implosion or manual demolition. That decision will depend on an analysis of potentially hazardous materials present in the structure. Regardless, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has indicated that it prefers that a decision and demolition date be arrived at quickly.
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