Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville reopens after gas leak

Eagle Mountain Casino (EMC) in Porterville, California, announced on its Facebook page that it reopened shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday night after staff evacuated guests due to a possible gas leak.

Eagle Mountain Casino evacuated guests after management reported a possible gas leak

“For the safety of our guests, we are evacuating our property,” the casino said. The Porterville Fire Department (PFD) has since confirmed that the reason for the evacuation was a gas leak.

The PFD continues to investigate the situation at the casino. Eagle Mountain posted a statement on its Facebook page Thursday evening, titled: “All clear, we're back open!”

“Eagle Mountain Casino always cares about the safety of our guests, and EMC team members always come first,” the message said. “Now, the local fire department and SoCal Gas [Southern California Gas Company] have given us the green light. We are opening our doors again.”

After a thorough inspection of the premises, both authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the safety of guests or employees. The casino is now operating at full capacity and has resumed normal business hours.

The casino is owned and operated by the Tule River Indian Tribe of California.

“The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority,” Eagle Mountain Casino management added in a press release. “We appreciate the quick response from the fire department and SoCal Gas and are grateful for the understanding and patience of our guests during this temporary closure.”

Eagle Mountain Casino is owned and operated by the Tule River Indian Tribe of California, a proud, sovereign nation committed to improving the livelihoods of its members and surrounding communities through its culture and economic development.

Guests have called Eagle Mountain “The People’s Casino.”

The casino is located at 1850 West Street in Porterville, off Highway 65, next to the Porterville Fairgrounds. The facility is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Additionally, the new property is twice the size, now covering more than 100,000 square feet, and features new dining options, 1,750 slot machines, 20 table games and a state-of-the-art event center.