Counter-Terror Response Kicks in After Guest Uses Flamethrower at Resort

A Las Vegas tourist was recently arrested after he triggered a fire alarm and sprinkler system at a resort using a handmade flamethrower on Sunday, September 1. Gavin Hamilton, 26, stands charged with possession of drugs, arson, and assault involving a deadly weapon.

The Fontainebleau Las Vegas was the scene of a dramatic incident after Hamilton allegedly used his homemade flamethrower to trigger a sprinkler in a stairwell. After being approached by hotel employees who were investigating a fire alarm, Hamilton reportedly set fire to a liquid coming out of his device and aimed the flaming fountain at the workers.

The device was described as a backpack containing flammable liquid which was connected to a short metal hose. Hamilton was covered in soot and told police he was attempting to flee from two pursuers in the stairwell.

He also told police that he used his device, which was constructed using glass pipes and butane, to activate a sprinkler so that a locked door would open. It didn’t work and triggered a sprinkler instead. Hamilton was renting a room at the resort at the time.

Hamilton failed to appear for his initial court date the following day and Judge Amy Ferriera ordered him to be held with $34,000 in bail. He was in custody with police by Wednesday, September 4.

Flamethrowers have become more popular in recent years. Elon Musk manufactured a toy which was more akin to a very large lighter than an actual flamethrower. The use of flamethrowers have also grown in the Ukrainian-Russian war, with the devices being mounted on aerial drones.

One Ohio-based company is selling flamethrowers mounted on dog-styled drones. Appropriately named the Thermonator, the dog-styled drone can spew flames up to 30 feet away, and has range-mapping and laser sights and comes in just under $10,000. Check your local laws before purchase, however, Maryland outlaws the devices and California requires a permit for any flamethrower with a range over 10 feet.