Firefighters corral small blaze that threatened River Rock Casino in Geyserville

A grass fire threatened River Rock Casino in Geyserville on Friday afternoon and briefly prevented gamblers from leaving the hillside facility as 80 firefighters battled the 10-acre blaze.

“It was really scary to see those big flames so close,” said casino patron Teresa Santana of Rohnert Park. “It was right next to the bus.”

Santana said she had been at the casino since about noon and when she emerged from the large tent structure to catch the 4 p.m. bus she saw “smoke everywhere.”

The bus tried to leave but was unable to descend the narrow winding canyon road leading to the casino because fire engines were trying to get up it, she said.

“We were stuck up there,” Santana said. “We were waiting on the bus for a long time.”

The River fire started along Highway 128 and began moving up the hill through grass and oak woodland toward the casino.

The blaze threatened a barn, cell tower and the casino itself, where patrons at one point were ordered to remain indoors while firefighters battled the flames.

By 6 p.m. the fire was about 80 percent contained, and the road to the casino had reopened to escorted bus traffic. The fire was fully contained at 6:22 p.m.

A total of 11 engine companies, one helicopter and two air tankers were engaged in the fight. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

You can reach Staff Writer Kevin McCallum at 521-5207 or kevin.mccallum@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @srcitybeat.