Firefighter burned battling 3-alarm industrial fire in Joliet, Illinois near I-55
A firefighter was injured battling a 3-alarm industrial fire that gutted a manufacturing plant in Joliet, Illinois, on Monday morning.
Crews from multiple fire departments responded to the fire at Rovanco Piping Systems, a manufacturing site east of I-55 on Frontage Road near the Route 59 exit, around 4:30 a.m.
According to the Troy Fire Protection District, a firefighter, who is a captain of the Joliet Fire Department, was burned on the wrist and forehead after a ceiling collapse caused by the fire. He was taken to a local hospital and then transferred to Loyola Medical Center for further burn treatment and is expected to be OK.
The fire chief said two employees evacuated after seeing heavy smoke and called 911. A total of 16 water tender trucks and 10 engines were deployed.
The fire chief said there were no local hydrants, causing a delay in the response. Water to put out the flames had to be carted in.
Officials said no other injuries were reported.
Residents reported hearing multiple loud explosions in the area. The fire chief confirmed there were at least four explosions caused by combustible material inside the building.
Joliet resident Tony Nakis, who said he was woken up around 4 a.m. by a loud boom, provided video to CBS News Chicago of what he initially thought was thunder.
He described what he saw when he peeked out his curtains.
"I'm like, oh my God," he said. "The whole freaking building was on fire. The flames were just shooting into the sky. I woke my fiancé up and she was freaking out and was just, you know, you saw some of the video. While we're taking video, more explosions are happening and I'm like, this isn't good. Are we going to end up having to evacuate?"
Video from the scene shows heavy smoke and flames engulfing the severely damaged area. Hot spots continue to burn.
The fire did not spread to any homes, and the smoke stayed away from traffic on I-55. The fire chief said the wind was working in their favor.
The extent of the damage is unknown at this time, but the fire chief said it is believed to be a total loss. The damage estimate is between $25 and $30 million.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
CBS News Chicago will continue to provide updates.
