Just before 10:30 a.m. the New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD) received a call for a structure fire on the 1000 block of South Cedar Road in New Lenox.

Upon arrival, New Lenox Engine 63 observed heavy smoke and fire coming from the building and the call was updated to a full still response.

All employees in the building were evacuated and no injuries have been reported.

The NLFPD remains on the scene at this time and are in the process of extinguishment. It has been upgraded to a 3-alarm fire.

The air is currently being monitored and we are working with the EPA to make sure it continues to be safe. Should anything change, notification will be made.

The situation is ongoing, but the fire is under control. Multiple agencies are anticipated to be on the scene for an extended period of time. Traffic is being rerouted in the area.

More information will be provided once it is available.

UPDATE:

Fire crews remain on the scene as of 6:00 p.m. They are currently working on putting out hot spots. The NLFPD will be on Illinois Highway for a few more hours, however, Cedar Road should be able to reopen soon.

At the height of the fire there were 22 agencies, around 200 firefighters, assisting with the fire, both on scene and covering any additional emergency calls which have come in throughout the day.

The building has sustained significant damage.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by MABAS 19 and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

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