Work continues to reopen Bannock Peak Casino
UPDATE 8-22
The Bannock Peak Truck Stop is open for business after an unexplained odor forced evacuation of the truck stop and casino last weekend.
In a news release, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes said the truck stop itself opened Saturday. The convenience store was not immediately affected, but closed as a safety precaution.
Casino management is reconstructing the septic system, which may have contributed to the odors reported Friday afternoon. Fort Hall Fire Chief Eric King said, “All precautionary measures were taken to ensure the safety of guests, employees, and the community. The Emergency Operation Center was activated as standard protocol to any potential hazards.”
“I am extremely pleased with the steps that were taken by all agencies that responded to the Bannock Peak Casino and Truck Stop on Friday”, stated Pamela Gallegos, Chief Executive Officer. Updates to the Casino opening and hours will be posted on the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel’s Facebook page.
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UPDATE 8/17/19 12 p.m.: Portneuf Regional Medical Center said that the hospital called a Code Black to initiate protocols for a possible external disaster at 5:13 p.m. Friday.
Sixteen people were kept overnight for observation and one patient was admitted. The hospital issued an all-clear at 8:30 p.m.
All 17 patients have been released as of 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
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The Bannock Peak Casino and Truck Stop, near Fort Hall, was evacuated Friday afternoon after an odor was detected inside the building.
The Fort Hall Fire Department was called to investigate at 3:40 p.m. and the building was cleared as a precautionary measure at 4:20 p.m. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Emergency Operations Center was also activated at that time.
Several people were referred to the Portneuf Regional Medical Center as a precaution, but there were no injuries reported, according to a news release from the Tribes.
The Pocatello Fire Department hazardous materials team is helping to evaluate the origin and extent of the incident. Also involved are the Region 6 Hazmat Team, Fort Hall Agricultural Resource Management, and Ft. Hall Building Inspector.
