Atlantic City Boardwalk Blaze: Resorts Casino Hotel Faces Fire Emergency

The blaze erupted at 4 p.m., temporarily closing two adjacent restaurants. Fire Chief Scott Evans and Resorts President Mark Giannantonio expressed hope for reopening later in the day. Despite the intense scene, onlookers marveled at the spectacle of black smoke and vivid orange flames beneath the Resorts Casino Hotel sign. Diners inside, like Aris Matos and his wife Michelle, witnessed the unfolding drama. Matos recounted the smoke intensifying as a restaurant worker bravely attempted to suppress the flames with a fire extinguisher.

Despite the severity of the two-alarm fire, involving 30 firefighters, it was under control within 40 minutes. Fire Chief Evans praised the firefighting team's efforts, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Resorts Casino Hotel President Giannantonio expressed gratitude for the swift response of the fire department, preventing further damage to the iconic casino. The fire damaged the casino’s facade, including a melted canopy. Investigations into the unknown cause are ongoing, exploring possibilities such as electrical malfunctions or accidental ignition by individuals seeking shelter beneath the Boardwalk.

While the cause of the fire remains a mystery, the city’s fire department confirmed that the casino floor remained open, assuring the public that business operations were uninterrupted. The incident prompted brief evacuations of nearby businesses, but no injuries were reported. Investigations into the origins of the blaze are ongoing.