(AsiaGameHub) –   A fire ignited in an HVAC unit connected to the Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee on Monday, April 6, producing a significant column of smoke. The casino was able to reopen to the public later that same day following a comprehensive inspection by the fire department.

Witnesses Describe the Incident

Footage and images from various news teams depicted a large, dark plume of smoke ascending into the sky. Lindsay and Shawn Baumhardt were patrons inside the casino when the fire started. According to Shawn, the initial sign was an unusual smell.

He compared the smell to that of a burning electrical cord one might detect in their house. The scent was initially weak, but after approximately five minutes, security personnel started directing everyone to evacuate immediately.

The couple reported that smoke began accumulating near the main entrance shortly after. Lindsay noted that the smoke inside intensified rapidly, creating a hazy, foggy atmosphere. They were in the process of cashing out when the evacuation order was given.

News of the fire also spread quickly on social media, as numerous local residents saw the smoke plume and posted about it on X (formerly Twitter). One user posted: “Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is currently on fire! Multiple fire trucks and police arriving right now. Check on your people. Stay safe Milwaukee.” Another individual commented that they observed substantial smoke pouring from the building as they passed by.

How Did the Fire Happen?

The blaze started just before noon on Monday within the HVAC system located on the casino’s roof. A full evacuation of guests and employees was swiftly carried out. By around 12:15 pm, the majority of the smoke had dissipated. This incident represented an actual emergency, in contrast to a false bomb threat made against the Park West Bicycle Casino and Hotel in Bell Gardens several months prior.

In a statement on Facebook, the Potawatomi Casino Hotel indicated that the fire was likely the result of a failure in the property’s boiler system. The casino explained that this malfunction caused a fire, leading to the evacuation of the entire casino facility. It was clarified that the hotel runs on an independent system and was not subject to evacuation at that point.

The Milwaukee fire department promptly contained the situation. There were no reports of injuries. Potawatomi Casino Hotel officials confirmed that the damage was limited to the HVAC system. The casino maintains a functional backup HVAC system, and the hotel, utilizing a separate system, was untouched by the fire.