South Dakota fire temporarily closes nearby casino

Posted: January 7, 2025, 08:44 pm.

Last updated: 7 January 2025, 08:44 pm.

A fire Tuesday afternoon caused the temporary closure of a Fort Randall casino in South Dakota while firefighters battled a nearby blaze, according to news reports.

The fire broke out around noon Tuesday at the Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST) Recycling Center located in Wagoner, SD.

Blaze confined to recycling center

Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, the fire did not spread beyond the recycling facility, said Mike Kotb, Charles Mix County emergency response manager. daily republicA local news outlet.

The flames were brought under control and extinguished around 2 pm on Tuesday. The tribal casino reopened shortly thereafter.

The recycling center is located on tribal property east of the gaming complex.

According to the report, the building houses equipment and a propane tank. Some equipment was destroyed in the fire daily republic revealed. The report said it involved two balers, a skid steer and a variety of equipment.

Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to the casino. No word if the casino was evacuated.

the employee is in shock

Right now, we are in shock. You can cry later,” said recycling center employee Danielle Zephyr. daily republic On Tuesday. “Thankfully the propane tank did not catch fire, otherwise things could have been much worse.”

No damage estimate was released.

Additionally, Fort Randall Casino posted on Facebook, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the fire department and emergency management for the quick and efficient response to the fire at the YST Recycling Center. Your dedication and bravery in ensuring the safety of our community has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and service.”

Additionally, a person named Ida Brown also posted on Facebook, “Yes, thanks for the immediate response.”

Chi Nodine Ekwe Cournoyer added in another Facebook post. “Thanks for all you do.”

Several local fire departments attended the fire. These include teams from Lake Andes, Ravinia and Wagoner, SD

Fort Randall Casino is owned and operated by the Yankton Sioux Tribe. It has 298 slot machines on the gaming floor. A three-story hotel, as well as a lounge and a restaurant, are nearby.

Regular hours at the casino are Tuesday through Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The casino is located approximately 119 miles southwest of Sioux Falls.