A fire near South Dakota's Fort Randall Casino forced a temporary closure on Tuesday afternoon. The blaze, which started around noon at the Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST) Recycling Center in Wagner, S.D., was successfully contained by local firefighters.

The fire was extinguished by 2 p.m., allowing the casino to resume operations shortly after. While the recycling center suffered significant equipment losses, including two balers, a skid steer, and various tools, the casino remained unharmed thanks to swift action from fire crews from Lake Andes, Ravinia, and Wagner.

Employee Danielle Zephier expressed relief that the facility's propane tank didn't ignite, which could have led to more severe consequences. The casino management posted a message of gratitude on Facebook, thanking the emergency responders for their quick and effective response.

The Fort Randall Casino, owned and operated by the Yankton Sioux Tribe, features 298 slot machines and includes a three-story hotel, lounge, and restaurant. Located 119 miles southwest of Sioux Falls, the casino typically operates from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Wednesday.

While damage occurred at the recycling facility, no injuries were reported, and no damage estimates have been released. The recycling center is situated on tribal property east of the gaming complex.

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