1 Injured, Building Heavily Damaged In Commercial Structure Fire: New Lenox Fire

NEW LENOX, IL — One person suffered minor injuries and a commercial building was heavily damaged in a fire in unincorporated New Lenox Township Friday, according to New Lenox Fire Chief Adam Riegel.

The fire was in the block of 200 Otto Drive, with heavy smoke showing for miles. New Lenox Fire Protection District received a fire alarm at 8:45 a.m. Friday. While en route, 911 calls reported smoke in the area, Riegel said, and the incident was upgraded to a structure fire.

The first-arriving engine company reached the scene in three minutes and reported heavy smoke visible from the exterior of the building. The company upgraded the alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.

Firefighters entered the building and located a rapidly advancing fire within the structure. After confirming all occupants had safely exited the building, command transitioned operations from an interior attack to a defensive strategy due to fire conditions. The alarm was once again elevated to bring in more crews along with a hazardous materials team to monitor the air and runoff from the fire.

As of just after 11 a.m., the fire was out, with crews remaining on scene putting out any hotspots. Hazmat crews were called to assist with cleanup.

The building sustained significant damage as a result of the fire. One occupant sustained minor injuries.

No firefighter injuries were reported. Crews were able to limit the runoff and air monitoring identified no hazards to the surrounding area.

Units from New Lenox, East Joliet, Mokena, Homer Township, Manhattan, Wilmington, Lockport, Elwood, Orland and more responded to the scene, according to Tri-State Fire Alerts.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by NLFPD Fire Investigators.