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Firefighters Fight Flames, Bitter Cold In Mystic Lake Fire

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake was evacuated Thursday morning because of a fire.

Scott County Dispatch said they got a call around 9:43 a.m.

Bill Rudnicki, the Tribal Administrator for Mdewakanton Sioux, said that the fire started in a construction area when crews were cutting steel and welding. Apparently, a spark ignited in an area where the sprinkler system was not yet active. Construction crews weren't able to contain the flames and it spread.

The area being remodeled is off limits to customers, but because it is such a large facility, Rudnicki said nearby customers had to be evacuated as a precaution. Those people were just moved to another area of the casino.

The casino alerted the fire department and they were able to knock down the fire by 10:20 a.m. At one point, flames were seen on the roof.

Because of the freezing cold temperature, it caused some problems for firefighters. Weather was freezing up equipment, aerial ladders weren't working properly and even one hydrant wasn't working.

There is no word yet on the damage sustained and no injuries were reported.

The casino stayed open for business the entire time.

Adam Carter Interviews Bill Rudnicki, Tribal Administrator for Mdewakanton Sioux

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Rudnicki also added that he was happy that the Mdewakanton Sioux community has their own fire department that worked so well with the city's fire department to put out the fire.

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