Fire officials: Small fire at site of new Cleveland casino

CLEVELAND - Cleveland firefighters were called to the site of the new Horseshoe Casino Cleveland Tuesday evening.

Cleveland Fire Department spokesperson Larry Gray said there was a small fire at the casino at about 4:55 p.m., while welders were working on the first floor. Gray said sparks fell into the basement and ignited a box.

The welders extinguished the fire in the box, which was full of trash and insulation. Workers were evacuated for a short time, but some were even allowed to return to work after firefighters helped clear the smoke.

A spokesperson for Rock Ohio Gaming said no one was injured and the fire was out before firefighters arrived.

The fire comes just hours after the news media had a chance to tour the old Higbee Building, featuring 700 slot machines and 30 tables. Its opening, which has already been pushed back, is set for May 14.

On Dec. 16, part of the floor of the casino's garage collapsed while contractors were pouring concrete. About 50 people were in the building at the time, but no injuries were reported. Work resumed on the 60-foot by 60-foot section of concrete just days later.

Just more than a month later, dozens were injured when part of the floor at the new casino in Cincinnati collapsed.