New Jersey

Makeshift Meth Lab Caused Atlantic City Casino Fire: Police

Damage from the fire was contained to the room on the 44th floor.

A man has been charged with setting up a methamphetamine lab in an Atlantic City, New Jersey, casino hotel room that caught fire, causing four floors to be evacuated.

Wednesday's fire at the Tropicana casino injured two people: the man who rented the room and later was arrested and a hotel employee who entered the room after the fire was detected. Their conditions were not available Thursday.

Police charged Michael Pillar, of Whiting, with maintaining a drug production facility, possession of methamphetamine and criminal mischief. It's unclear if Pillar has hired a lawyer.

Damage from the fire was contained to the room on the 44th floor of the casino's west tower where the fire occurred.

A hazardous-materials team dismantled the lab.

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