Date: January 7, 2025, 08:44h.
Last updated on: January 7, 2025, 08:44h.
A fire incident occurred at Fort Randall Casino in South Dakota on a Tuesday afternoon, leading to a temporary closure while firefighters dealt with a nearby fire.
The fire started around noon at the Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST) Recycling Center in Wagner, S.D.
Blaze Contained at Recycling Center
Firefighters successfully managed to prevent the flames from spreading beyond the recycling facility, as confirmed by Mike Kotab, Charles Mix County emergency disaster manager, to the Daily Republic, a local news source.
The fire was brought under control and extinguished by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, allowing the tribal casino to reopen shortly after.
The recycling center, which is east of the gaming complex, houses equipment and a propane tank. Some equipment, including two balers, a skid steer, and various tools, was destroyed in the fire, as reported by the Daily Republic.
Despite the proximity, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from reaching the casino, though it is unclear if an evacuation took place.
Employee Shares Shock
“Right now, we’re just in shock. Might cry later,” said Danielle Zephier, a recycling center employee, to the Daily Republic on Tuesday. “Thankfully, the propane tank didn’t catch on fire, or things could have been worse.”
No official damage estimate has been provided.
The Fort Randall Casino expressed gratitude on Facebook towards the fire departments and emergency management for their prompt response to the fire at the YST recycling center.
Additionally, Facebook user Ida Brown commented, “Yes, thank you for the immediate response.” Chi Nodin Ikwe Cournoyer also added, “Thanks for all you do.”
Several local fire departments, including crews from Lake Andes, Ravinia, and Wagner, S.D., collaborated in controlling the fire.
The Yankton Sioux Tribe owns and operates the Fort Randall Casino, which features 298 slot machines on the gaming floor, along with a three-story hotel, lounge, and restaurant in close proximity.
The casino operates from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Tuesdays into Wednesdays and is located approximately 119 miles southwest of Sioux Falls.