Massive fire destroys magnesium plant in Chicago's south suburbs

DIXMOOR, Ill. - A massive fire broke out overnight at a magnesium plant in Dixmoor, drawing multiple fire departments to battle the flames and explosions early Wednesday morning.

Massive fire breaks out in Dixmoor

What we know:

The blaze erupted at Chicago Magnesium Casting Company, which manufactures metal parts, around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. About 80 firefighters from several south suburban departments responded to the scene and worked for more than six hours to put out the blaze. Officials said the plant contains multiple combustible materials, making the situation especially hazardous.

Ladder trucks sprayed water on the fire from above, while ground crews controled the spread. Officials reported multiple explosions inside the facility, though no injuries have been reported.

Fighting the fire and water pipe concerns

What they're saying:

Posen Fire Chief Jeff Cook said when crews arrived, flames could be seen shooting out of the roof of the plant.

"Magnesium reacts with water so that makes it a challenge," Cook said. "We had quite a few different explosions that were happening there in the building from that chemical reaction. We were able to contain it but that was one of the big issues."

Cook called the plant "a total loss."

Dixmoor Village President Fitzgerald Roberts praised the response of the Posen Fire Department.

"There were multiple explosions that rocked several nearby homes," Roberts said in a statement. "This was a dangerous fire but thanks to the courage and capable work of the Posen Fire Department, there was no loss of life. This could have been a much worse situation especially in light of the fact that a train was blocking access for firefighters to reach the fire."

The pressure from fighting the fire caused water main breaks across the street, highlighting the need to fix aging water pipes in the village, Roberts said.

"Having access to a reliable and stable water supply not only is important for everyday life, but it also is extremely important in the event of emergencies like the one we had last night," Roberts said. "The need to continue the work we are doing to fix our water pipes really is a matter of life and death."

Chicago Magnesium Casting Company

Dig deeper:

The plant, located at 14100 S. Seeley Ave., produces cores and molds and employs hundreds of workers. The surrounding area includes both industrial businesses and residences.

The Environmental Protection Agency was called to the scene to monitor air quality and water runoff. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.