Rivers Casino Smoking Area Catches Fire in Des Plaines

A fire that ignited at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines on Sunday morning was accidental, according to a report from the Des Plaines Fire Department, and the cause is being investigated.

The Des Plaines Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in the smoking lounge area of Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road, at 8:02 a.m. on April 7, Fire Chief Alan Wax stated on Sunday.

“Arriving crews found a fire in the wall behind the marble fireplace located in the smoking lounge,” Wax stated. “Firefighters had the fire out in less than 20 minutes, including controlling fire extension and keeping the fire to the general fireplace area.”

Nobody was injured, the fire occurred during the two hours the casino is closed in the morning, 7-9 a.m., according to the report. Casino security and housekeeping personnel were in the facility at the time.

The fire alarm and sprinklers did not activate due to the fire’s relatively small size and its location, Wax stated, and the casino opened approximately 15 minutes late as a result of the fire.

The smoking area near the fireplace will remain off-limits until cleanup is completed and repairs are made, Wax stated. An estimated property loss was not determined yet, he stated.

The Rosemont Fire Department assisted Des Plaines firefighters on the call, Wax stated.