Mulvane, KS — A fire that led to the evacuation of the Kansas Star Casino on Saturday is believed to have been sparked by a lithium battery explosion, according to local authorities. The incident occurred shortly before the casino’s scheduled closing time, causing panic among patrons and staff but no serious injuries were reported.
The fire reportedly started in a maintenance area of the casino where electronic equipment was stored, including devices with lithium batteries. Fire investigators are looking into the specifics of how the batteries ignited, which is a known risk with lithium-ion technology due to issues like overheating.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion as casino-goers were hurried out of the building. “It was pretty scary,” said one patron who was at the slot machines when alarms sounded. “People started running, and that’s when we heard someone yell about a fire.”
Emergency response teams arrived quickly, and the Mulvane Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire within an hour. Preliminary assessments show that damage was largely contained to the area where the fire started, although smoke did permeate through a significant portion of the facility.
Lithium batteries, commonly found in many electronic devices, have been linked to fire hazards in the past. These incidents often involve thermal runaway, a chemical reaction within the battery that causes a rapid increase in temperature and pressure.
Despite the evacuation and disruption, casino management is optimistic about a swift return to normal operations. “We are working closely with fire officials and engineers to strengthen our preventive measures,” said a spokesperson for the Kansas Star Casino. They added that inquiries into the fire are ongoing to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The casino is a popular entertainment venue in the region, hosting not only gambling activities but also concerts and other large-scale events. Its temporary closure could have a ripple effect on local businesses that rely on traffic from casino visitors.
Local safety officials are using this incident to highlight the importance of proper storage and handling of lithium-ion batteries. “This event is a critical reminder that safety protocols around such devices are not just guidelines, but essential practices,” noted a fire department spokesperson.
The Kansas Star Casino is scheduled to undergo a safety review before it reopens to ensure all potential hazards are mitigated. Meanwhile, patrons displaced by the closure have been offered refunds and incentives to return once the casino is operational again.
This incident at the Kansas Star Casino serves as another example in the growing log of lithium battery-related fires, prompting further discussions about technology safety standards both locally and nationally. As these devices become more embedded in daily life, the importance of managing their risks is increasingly underscored.