Huge Fire Destroys Several Buildings In Prophetstown

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A large fire has destroyed at least eight buildings in a small western Illinois town.

CBS affiliate WHBF-TV reports that the fire started at Cindy Jeans restaurant in Prophetstown and quickly spread to seven other buildings.

Residents report the damaged buildings account for about one-half of the downtown in this small community of 2,000 residents in Whiteside County.

Mayor Steve Swanson says that the fire started shortly after 2 a.m. on Monday.

Fire officials say six business are destroyed, and two others are heavily damaged.

No injuries were reported.

Residents of several apartments were left homeless.

Nearly 25 different agencies were on scene fighting the fire. The fire has been contained.

A shortage of water is forcing firefighters to bring in water from all over the area.

The entire city has been placed under a boil order, WHBF-TV reports.