Mark Wahlberg’s restaurant in Las Vegas, Flecha Cantina, was back in business after a fire broke out on its patio on Nov. 6. A spokesperson for the restaurant confirmed that the fire was caused by a “defective fire pit” that ignited at the bottom. The blaze, which occurred in the early evening hours, was quickly contained with no significant damage to the interior of the restaurant.
“The fire crew came and put it out right away,” the spokesperson told PEOPLE. “No damage at all to the interior of the restaurant. The only damage was to the fire pit and a chair next to it. Thankfully, no one was injured.”
The incident occurred just one day before Wahlberg was scheduled to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 7 to mark the official celebration of the restaurant’s opening. The event, originally planned for weeks, proceeded as scheduled, according to a confirmation from Wahlberg’s team.
This place has been open for one monthpic.twitter.com/4wsJuQwjb4
— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) November 7, 2024
The fire began at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time when the Clark County Fire Department received reports of a blaze on the restaurant’s patio. According to a press release from the fire department, by the time responders arrived, the restaurant had already been evacuated and the fire sprinklers had been activated, preventing further spread. The fire appeared to have been limited to a propane fire table, an outdoor feature commonly used for ambiance at restaurants. Surveillance footage showed that the fire began within the inner components of the fire pit itself.
Firefighters quickly got the situation under control, managing to reduce the fire enough to safely shut off the propane tanks fueling the fire table. The fire was extinguished with no further damage to the building. “The fire sprinkler company came back out and recharged the system, and the restaurant was back open by 7 p.m.,” the spokesperson added.
While the fire did not reach the interior of the restaurant, the incident caused some initial concern, given the timing of the event just before Wahlberg’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. The popular actor and entrepreneur had opened Flecha Cantina in Las Vegas in September, three weeks before the fire broke out. The restaurant, which blends traditional Mexican cuisine with contemporary twists, joins the successful Flecha Cantina location in Huntington Beach, California, which opened earlier this year in June.
Wahlberg, who moved to Las Vegas in 2022 with his wife, Rhea Durham, and their four children, has focused on expanding his business ventures in the city, taking advantage of the opportunity to live in a place that aligns with his family’s interests and lifestyle.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It’s a place where my kids can thrive and do their thing and pursue their interests,” Wahlberg said in a previous interview with PEOPLE in March. He noted that the move to Las Vegas has provided his family with the freedom and space to explore new opportunities. “To be able to give my kids a better life and follow and pursue their dreams — whether it be my daughter as an equestrian, my son as a basketball player, my younger son as a golfer — this made a lot more sense for us.”
The Wahlberg family’s transition from California to Las Vegas has supported Wahlberg’s own professional growth as well, especially as he continues to build his business empire. The actor, who previously lived in California, has been able to focus more on his entrepreneurial ventures in Las Vegas, where he sees greater opportunities for growth.
The fire at Flecha Cantina, which fortunately did not cause any injuries or major damage, highlights the challenges of operating a high-profile restaurant in a busy city like Las Vegas. However, the quick response from local fire services and the restaurant’s own safety measures helped minimize any lasting impact. The establishment, which had only been open for two months, resumed normal operations without delay.
Flecha Cantina, known for its fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and innovative cuisine, has quickly become a popular dining destination in Las Vegas. Despite the brief setback caused by the fire, Wahlberg and his team are confident that the restaurant will continue to thrive, contributing to the city’s dynamic food scene.
