Clark County Fire Department – Special Events Division

The Special Events Division is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing fire and life safety operations for some of the largest and most complex special events in the nation. Special events—such as festivals, concerts, parades, sporting events, and major community celebrations—are unique, non‑routine gatherings that require advanced planning, multi‑agency integration, and specialized safety strategies due to their size, impact on public infrastructure, and the high concentration of residents and visitors they attract.

The division manages all‑hazards preparedness and operational readiness for events that are one‑time or infrequent and often require permitting, comprehensive operational plans, and coordinated resource deployment. Responsibilities include emergency response planning, incident management, regulatory compliance, fire and life safety oversight, and real‑time coordination with local, regional, and federal stakeholders.

What truly sets the Special Events Division apart is its uniquely structured team—unlike anywhere else in the nation. The division brings together the combined expertise of a former Deputy Fire Marshal, a former Assistant Emergency Manager, and the operational leadership of the Deputy Fire Chief. This multidisciplinary model enables the division to address every phase of event planning with unmatched capability: preparedness, prevention, mitigation, response, and—most notably—long‑term recovery. In the unlikely event an incident occurs, the division is already postured to lead forward, serving as the emerging national best practice for integrated recovery operations.

Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s most iconic and internationally recognized entertainment venues, and the Special Events Division works hand‑in‑glove with these partners to ensure their success. Through proactive fire and life safety collaboration, strategic planning, and continuous operational support, the division helps deliver some of the safest and most memorable entertainment experiences in the world.

Under the leadership of the Deputy Fire Chief of Special Events, the division provides executive‑level oversight for events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, America’s Party (New Year’s Eve), Super Bowl LVIII, and the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix / Formula 1. The division also supports major future initiatives, including the 2027 National Football Championships, the 2029 Super Bowl, and planning efforts tied to a new stadium and the potential arrival of expansion team.

The division further contributes to homeland security readiness through oversight of regional Multi‑Assault Counter‑Terrorism Action Capabilities (MACTAC) initiatives and operational support to the United States Secret Service during visits by high‑level dignitaries, including the President of the United States.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Clark County Fire Department Special Events Division is to facilitate a collaborative approach to multi-agency public safety/EMS/fire prevention planning efforts in support of large-scale special events and mass gatherings within Clark County. The Division will provide information and coordination about the resources available within the department that will help event planners better mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies that may occur at their special events. This mission supports the Clark County Fire Department's overarching goal to ensure the safety and well-being of our Southern Nevada communities and visitors through professional emergency response, fire prevention, and public education.