The Empress Casino is a floating gambling house, located on the Des Plaines River in the southwestern Chicago suburb of Joliet, that was undergoing a $50 million renovation. On March 20, 2009, the casino caught fire.Chicago Sun Times: Fire breaks out at Empress Casino in Joliet (March 20, 2009)

The Empress Casino is permanently docked on the Des Plaines River in Joliet. The owners, Penn National Gaming, began an extensive renovation project in the latter part of 2008, with a planned phased reopening due in third quarter 2009. Planned upgrades included structural, food and beverage offerings, and VIP amenities.Chicago Sun Times: Fire breaks out at Empress Casino in Joliet (March 20, 2009)

About 10:00 am on March 20, 2009, the barge caught fire, possibly started by welding operations in a construction area. All workers and customers were evacuated safely.Chicago Sun Times: Fire breaks out at Empress Casino in Joliet (March 20, 2009)