In Joliet, Illinois a massive fire broke out at the Empress Casino. Apparently the fire started in an area with lots of dry wall piled up. It occured in a section where they were adding new seats for casino goers.

Rarely does the Joliet Fire Department call for assistance but trucks from Troy, Rockdale and other departments started to roll in shortly after noon. Most appear to be water trucks.

Massive flames were still shooting out of the building as of 1pm today.

Frank Quigley, general manager, spoke to employees who had been gathering under the carport of the hotel.

“All kinds of kudos to you guys for pulling off an extremely professional evacuation,” Quigley said. “There were no injuries.”

Michelle Bell, marketing director, said there was a $50 million renovation project in the pavilion area with new food outlets under construction.

Quigley asked employees to stick around for a while. “I really do not know what is going on yet,” he said. “When I know something I will tell you.”

No official reports have been issued by the fire department.