On Saturday, Massachusetts’ MGM Springfield casino was forced to evacuate its premises following a fire incident linked to one of its restaurants. The fire, although largely contained to the ductwork associated with the Chandler Steakhouse, allowed smoke to infiltrate the upper levels of the complex, necessitating rapid evacuation procedures.
The Springfield Fire Department received the incident alert at precisely 5:39 p.m. Saturday. In an efficient response, the casino’s sprinkler system was deployed, prompting the swift evacuation of both guests and employees, who remained outside for several hours while safety protocols were put into place.
Initially, firefighters were led to believe that smoky conditions were localized to a single floor of the casino. However, upon conducting a thorough investigation, they confirmed that smoke had permeated multiple floors. Flames were reported to be primarily contained within the ducts running from the kitchen of Chandler Steakhouse to the roof, as detailed by regional news outlet MassLive. Additional reports from Western Mass News verified the visibility of smoke on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors of the sprawling casino.
Fire crews promptly ascended to the roof to combat both flames and sparks that were emanating from the ducts. The fire had also partially ignited the roof structure, complicating their firefighting efforts. After persistent and coordinated efforts, firefighters successfully brought the blaze under control, dedicating additional hours to ventilate the lingering smoke from the building.
After several hours, authorities cleared personnel and visitors to re-enter most areas of the casino. However, Chandler Steakhouse informed patrons of a temporary closure until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, as noted on the restaurant’s website, which indicated that the eatery is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Fortunately, there have been no preliminary reports of injuries among firefighters, staff, or guests during the incident. However, fire officials are yet to provide an assessment of the damage incurred. As of Saturday night, it remained unclear whether all smoke had been fully cleared from the casino complex.
By Sunday, the Springfield Fire Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad initiated an inquiry into the fire’s cause. A significant number of resources were mobilized, with six fire engines, three trucks, a rescue vehicle, and three chief officers dispatched to manage the incident.
In a potentially intriguing development, Bloomberg News previously reported that MGM Resorts might be contemplating the sale of MGM Springfield. The casino, which welcomed its first guests roughly six years ago, was developed with a substantial investment of nearly $1 billion from MGM Resorts. With approximately 1,500 slot machines, a dedicated poker room, and a variety of table games, it stands as a key player in the regional gaming landscape.
**Interview with Fire Chief John Thompson of the Springfield Fire Department**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Chief Thompson. Can you walk us through the initial response to the fire at MGM Springfield?
**Chief Thompson:** Absolutely. We received the alert at 5:39 p.m. on Saturday. Our primary concern was the safety of all individuals in the casino, as it was a busy evening. The casino’s sprinkler system activated promptly, which helped in containing the fire and allowing for an organized evacuation.
**Editor:** How did the situation escalate from what you first believed to the reality of multiple floors being affected?
**Chief Thompson:** Initially, our team believed that the smoke was contained to a single floor, specifically around the Chandler Steakhouse. However, as we conducted our investigation and moved through the building, we discovered that smoke had indeed infiltrated several upper levels, including the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors.
**Editor:** What measures were put in place to ensure the safety of the guests during the evacuation?
**Chief Thompson:** The casino has plans in place for emergencies, which they executed well. We coordinated with their staff to ensure everyone was moved outside safely. Emergency responders also screened the area to make certain that no one was left behind. Guests remained outside for several hours as we assessed the situation and secured the premises.
**Editor:** What can you tell us about the extent of the damage and the operations moving forward?
**Chief Thompson:** The fire itself was largely confined to the ductwork, which limited the physical damage to that area. However, the smoke infiltration meant that air quality assessments had to be done throughout the building before it could be deemed safe for re-entry. As of now, the casino is working with our department to address any potential hazards and will follow all safety protocols before resuming operations.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Chief. We appreciate the hard work of your team and the quick response from the MGM Springfield staff in handling this situation.
**Chief Thompson:** Thank you for having me. We’re committed to ensuring the safety of our community and will continue to work closely with establishments like MGM Springfield to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
