Massive Joliet Scrapyard Fire Extinguished after Over 20 Hours
Limited Water Access Hinders Firefighters Battling Massive Blaze at Joliet Scrapyard
A massive fire at the BL Duke scrapyard in Joliet on Friday prompted a multi-agency response, with firefighters struggling against limited water supply.
The fire began around 2:17 p.m. Friday at BL Duke – Joliet Public Scrap Metal Recycling Yard, located at 2 Genstar Lane, and was put out just before 11 a.m. Saturday.
Firefighters reported that the blaze involved a large scrap pile containing metal, wood, and possibly some plastic. The fire measured an acre in size and stood 50 feet tall. No hazardous materials were involved, officials said.
Air quality was also not being impacted as a result of the fire.
Firefighters Battle Blazing Inferno Overnight
Crews from multiple fire departments fought the flames overnight. Initially, firefighters had limited access to water.
“The initial water supply was a coordination of mutual aid tankers, but later, sole water supply was drafted directly from the Des Plaines River,” Lockport Fire Chief John O’Connor said in a press release.
Bristol Kendal Fire Protection District, Elwood Fire Protection District, Plainfield Fire Protection District, and several others assisted in the fire response.
No Injuries or Structural Damage Reported
No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.
Cause of Fire Still Under Investigation
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
FAQs
- What was the location of the fire?
- How long did the fire last?
- What was the size of the fire?
- Were there any hazardous materials involved?
- Was air quality affected by the fire?
BL Duke – Joliet Public Scrap Metal Recycling Yard, located at 2 Genstar Lane, Joliet.
The fire lasted over 20 hours, starting at 2:17 p.m. Friday and being extinguished just before 11 a.m. Saturday.
The fire measured an acre in size and stood 50 feet tall.
No, officials said.
No, air quality was not being impacted as a result of the fire.
