South Dakota Fire Temporarily Shutters Nearby Casino

Posted on: January 7, 2025, 08:44h. 

Last updated on: January 7, 2025, 08:44h.

A Tuesday afternoon blaze caused South Dakota’s Fort Randall Casino to temporarily close while firefighters battled a nearby fire, according to news reports.

The fire began around noon on Tuesday at the Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST) Recycling Center located in Wagner, S.D.

Blaze Confined to Recycling Center

Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, the blaze didn’t spread past the recycling facility, Mike Kotab, Charles Mix County emergency disaster manager, told the Daily Republic, a local news outlet.

Flames were brought under control and the fire was extinguished at about 2 p.m. on Tuesday. The tribal casino reopened shortly after that.

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

It recycling building houses equipment and a propane tank, according to the report. Some of the equipment was destroyed by the fire, the Daily Republic revealed. That included two balers, a skid steer, and a variety of tools, the report added.

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

Employee Is In Shock

Right now, we’re just in shock. Might cry later,” Danielle Zephier, a recycling center employee, told the Daily Republic on Tuesday. “Thankfully, the propane tank didn’t catch on fire, or things could have been worse.”

No damage estimate was released.

In addition, the Fort Randall Casino posted on Facebook, “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the fire departments and emergency management for their swift and efficient response to the fire at the YST recycling center. Your dedication and bravery in ensuring the safety of our community do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and service.”

In addition, a person, Ida Brown, also posted on Facebook, “Yes, thank you for the immediate response.”

Chi Nodin Ikwe Cournoyer added in still another Facebook post. “Thanks for all you do.”

Several local fire departments took part in the battling the fire. They include crews from Lake Andes, Ravinia, and Wagner, S.D.

The Fort Randall Casino is owned and operated by the Yankton Sioux Tribe. It features 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 between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Tuesdays into Wednesdays. The casino is located about 119 miles southwest of Sioux Falls.